The struggle for influence in the Pacific is heating up: Water cannon training for Solomon Islands police from China

China has provided the Solomon Islands police force with water cannon vehicles and crowd-control training under the two countries' security cooperation pact, reigniting its influence contest with Australia in the Pacific. The deployment follows the security agreement Beijing signed with Honiara, which has drawn scrutiny from Canberra and Western allies concerned about China's growing footprint in the region. The training and equipment are aimed at strengthening the island nation's riot-control capacity. The move underscores the broader strategic rivalry between China and Australia over Pacific alliances. Watch for further Chinese security and infrastructure commitments to Honiara and Australia's response.