Honiara

Although China claimed that they have no intention of building a military base in Honiara however a secret leaked document depicts the contrary picture as it exposes China of its intentions to solidify its military presence in the Solomon Islands.

A security alliance between China and the Solomon Islands has sent shudders throughout the South Pacific, with many worried it could set off a large-scale military buildup or that Western animosity to the deal could play into China's hands.

What remains most unclear is the extent of China's ambitions.

Residents of the remote Solomon Islands rushed into the hills after a powerful 7.8 earthquake struck early on Dec. 9, with some reports of small tsunami waves as aftershocks rattled the South Pacific nation.