Chinese telecommunications company Huawei has rejected allegations it bribed the Solomon Islands' prime minister for the contract to build an internet submarine cable between Honiara and Sydney.
Manasseh Sogavare Photo: RNZ/Koroi Hawkins
The allegations were reported by Australian media, who cited a Solomons parliamentary document concerning the $US53 million project.
In a statement, Huawei said the allegations had no basis in fact, and that it denounced what it called "groundless coverage".
It said Huawei had never given, implied, nor promised any political donations in relation to the project.
Solomons prime minister Manasseh Sogavare also rejected the allegations calling on those making them to report the matter to authorities for investigation.
The allegations arose in the wake of Australia's refusal to allow a Huawei constructed cable to land in Sydney for security reasons.
Mr Sogavare said he was considering all available options to address Australia's concerns and says he hopes to see the construction of the undersea cable begin in 2019.
