US diplomat says Solomon Islands leader ‘missed important opportunity’

In this photo provided by the New Zealand Defence Force, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman speaks at a dawn service at Bloody Ridge as part of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal near Honiara, Solomon Islands, Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. A Japanese sailor was attacked during the World War II memorial service that was also attended by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman. (Petty Officer Chris Weissenborn/NZDF via AP)

The US deputy secretary of state has said 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 Second World War battle.

Wendy Sherman was speaking amid concerns that the South Pacific island nation is building closer ties with China.