The Solomon Islands has signed a security deal with China, sparking criticism from the United States, Australia and New Zealand. The text of the deal has not been released, but leaked documents indicate it could allow China to send troops and naval ships to the Pacific Island nation, where a key battle in World War II was fought. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare spoke on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare: “Let me assure the people of Solomon Islands that we entered into an arrangement with China with our eyes wide open, guided by our national interests. We have full understanding of the fragility of peace. And our duty as a state is to protect all people, their properties and critical national infrastructures of the country.”

The Biden administration has expressed alarm over the deal and is sending two top officials to the Solomon Islands this week. The U.S. is also moving to reopen an embassy in the Solomon Islands. State Department Press Secretary Ned Price addressed the issue on Monday.

Ned Price: “We believe that signing such an agreement could increase destabilization within the Solomon Islands and will set a concerning precedent for the wider Pacific Island region.”