Four Corners was among the first international film crews to arrive in Solomon Islands when their borders reopened last month.

From Honiara to the country’s western islands, China’s presence is everywhere; from a sports stadium, to garbage trucks. China has also set its sights on key infrastructure like an airport and timber plantation next to a deep-water port.

All of this has stoked fears across the region that China could eventually build a military base in Solomon Island - despite the Prime Minister’s assurances to the contrary.

When the Four Corners crew started filming near Munda airport, where China is resurfacing the runway and building a new international terminal, the crew were swiftly told to leave, despite filming from a public area. Chinese security physically blocked their cameras and told them not to return.

Watch the full Four Corners investigation, looking at how Chinese money is buying influence in Solomon Islands, here:    • How Chinese money is buying Solomon I...  


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