USA. The coast guard vessel was denied access to the port of the Solomon Islands capital

USCGC Oliver Henry was patrolling the South Pacific in an effort to counter illegal fishing on behalf of the Regional Fisheries Agency. He was not allowed into the port of Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, where he was to refuel as planned, the press service of the American coast guard said.

The American ship, which could not refuel in the Solomon Islands, was instead diverted to Papua New Guinea, the coast guard said USA.

The Solomon Islands government did not respond to a request for comment.

The Solomon Islands’ relationship with the United States and its allies has been strained since the Honorable government signed a security agreement with the communist authorities in Beijing in May. Commentators were concerned that this might allow this China to increase military influence near key Pacific maritime routes.

Reuters recalls reports on social media that refueling in the Solomon Islands has also been denied to the British ship HMS Spey, which is also involved in Operation Island Chief. It aims to tackle illegal fishing in the EEZ of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The British Navy declined to comment on the matter.

Authorities in Honiara and Beijing ensure that the agreement signed in May does not serve to build a Chinese military base in the Solomon Islands, but according to the draft of this document, leaked to the media, Chinese navy ships would be able to call at the port and replenish supplies.