Beijing’s push to extend its influence in the Pacific took a new turn yesterday after the Solomon Islands awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to a Chinese company to upgrade its international port in Honiara as well as 2 domestic wharves. Aussie officials have voiced concerns about the potential for China to use the ports to dock its warships, though PM Manasseh Sogavare maintains there will never be a Chinese military base in his country. The Solomons leader has had a busy week hosting delegates from the China International Development Agency and officials from the US and Japan. Democratic nations, including Oz, are looking to boost ties with the Solomons after its controversial security deal with China last year, and there are concerns other Pacific island nations could follow. Samoa’s PM Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa – who was in Canberra yesterday – called for better consultation on regional security matters.