US official says Solomon Islands leader ‘missed opportunity’

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The U.S. deputy secretary of state says the prime minister of the Solomon Islands “missed an important opportunity” by failing to attend a memorial service to mark the anniversary of a key World War II battle, amid concerns the South Pacific island nation is building closer ties with China. Wendy Sherman and U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy were among the dignitaries at a dawn service to commemorate the Battle of Guadalcanal. The Solomons prime minister denied he boycotted the event. Sherman says she expressed her displeasure. She says the prime minister repeated his assurance during her recent visit that there would be no Chinese base on the islands. She called the situation critical and says the U.S. will watch it very carefully.