US vessel denied entry to Solomon Islands: report

A US coast guard vessel was denied entry by the Solomon Islands for a scheduled port of call.

Last week’s incident came amid tense relations between the US and the South Pacific island nation, which signed a security deal with China in April, sparking criticism from Washington and its allies Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

The USCGC Oliver Henry was “scheduled for a routine logistics port call” but the Solomon Islands “did not respond to the US government’s request for diplomatic clearance for the vessel to refuel and provision,” Lt. Kristin Kam, a US coast guard spokesperson, told American military daily Stars and Stripes.

The vessel was “diverted to Papua New Guinea” and anchored at Port Moresby last Tuesday, the report said.

“The US Department of State is in contact with the government of the Solomon Islands and expects all future clearances will be provided to US ships,” Kam said.

Citing SeaWaves magazine, a publication focused on naval affairs, the report said a UK patrol vessel HMS Spey was also denied entry to the Solomon Islands.

The British navy has refused to comment on the report, saying changes in schedules of ships is “routine practice,” according to British broadcaster Sky News.

Beijing and the Solomon Islands have dismissed claims by the US and its allies that China is aiming to set up a military base on the islands.

China insists that the deal “does not target any third country,” asserting that Pacific Island nations are sovereign states that “are not anyone’s backyard.”

In April, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the objections raised by the US and its allies were “insulting,” stressing that his government plans to honor existing security arrangements with Australia and other regional partners.