The U.S. Embassy in Canberra said that it had received a formal notification from the Government of the Solomon Islands that said it was suspending all US naval visits pending updates in protocol procedures.
All naval visits have been put on hold by the Solomon Islands until further notice as a result of an earlier incident on August 23 in which the Oliver Henry of the U.S. Coast Guard was denied permission to make a planned port call.
The event occurs as worries about Beijing's sway in the area and Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's efforts to strengthen connections with the Chinese authorities while securing his hold on power have grown.
U.S. Embassy in Canberra: "On Aug. 29, the United States received formal notification from the Government of the Solomon Islands regarding a moratorium on all naval visits, pending updates in protocol procedures."
"We will continue to closely monitor the situation," said a spokesperson.
Naval visits have been put on hold ...