Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare reviews the honour guard during a welcome ceremony with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday. Thomas Peter/ Reuters

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and signed several agreements in the first official visit since the two countries established diplomatic relations last month.

The new diplomatic relationship is a sign of China’s growing influence in the Pacific and a setback for self-ruled, democratic Taiwan. The Solomon Islands severed ties with Taiwan when it established them with Beijing.

“I am pleased to recognise the one China policy ... We are pleased to be on the right side of history and normalise relations with the People’s Republic of China,” Sogavare said ahead of a meeting with Li and a Chinese delegation.

Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare attends a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

China has in recent years been expanding its influence in the Pacific to the alarm of the United States and its main regional ally, Australia.

China and the Solomon Islands signed an agreement to work together on President Xi Jinping’s flagship foreign policy initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as others on economic and education strategies.

After the Solomon Islands recognised Beijing, US Vice President Mike Pence declined a request from the Solomon Islands leader to meet to discuss cooperation.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing Wen said last month the end of its diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands was further evidence of Chinese efforts to meddle in Taiwan’s January elections.

Reuters