Solomon Islands' deputy opposition leader says his country is not ready for a diplomatic relationship with China.
Solomon islands flag with China flag. Photo: 123RF
Peter Kenilorea Junior, who is also the chair of parliament's Foreign Relations Committee, said the Solomons has many unresolved domestic issues related to land ownership and resource management.
He said the country's weak laws and regulations leave it vulnerable to exploitation.
"We have already issues in terms of our laxed immigration, laxed labour laws, laxed regulations, land issues, logging issues that have come in and caused a lot of hurt socially as well without much gain.
"And to repeat that again at a much larger scale is something that I just don't feel we are prepared for."
