The country in which China has gained most influence in the South Pacific, Solomon Islands, goes to the polls on Wednesday in an election that could shape the region’s future.

The Solomon Islands holds a national election on April 17, the first since Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed a security pact with China that prompted concern from the United States and South Pacific neighbours.

Merchants in Solomon Islands' gritty Chinatown were preparing Tuesday for the prospect of post-election violence, fearful the district will again be targeted if the Pacific nation re-elects a pro-Beijing leader.

A 24-hour campaigning blackout is now in place before voting in national and provincial elections starts early Wednesday. Police and troops from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and New Zealand have descended on the Pacific island country – which was rocked by riots as recently as 2021 – to provide security during the election.

Competition is heating up between China and the US in the southern Pacific, with each seeking to build influence among island nations that haven’t received much superpower attention since World War II.

The security deal with Beijing agreed by PM Manasseh Sogavare is under the spotlight ahead of the 17 April vote

MELBOURNE, Australia >> The country in which China has gained most influence in the South Pacific, Solomon Islands, goes to the polls on Wednesday in an election that could shape the region’s future.

The US has lashed Russia's Sputnik news agency after it published "baseless accusations" about alleged interference in the Solomon Islands election.