The Solomon Islands Government shows no sign of backing down in a statement addressing the security agreement it is negotiating with China.
The statement released on Friday said the country is expanding its security arrangement with more countries, including China.
The statement said the Solomon Islands is working to broaden its security and development cooperation with more countries, which is in line with its 2020 National Security Strategy and their foreign policy of "friends to all, enemies to none."
"The Government recognises the state's responsibility of protecting its people from fear and to live in dignity. Broadening partnerships is needed to improve the quality of lives of our people and address soft and hard security threats facing the country," the media release said.
The release went on to say the Government is working to implement a number of development frameworks with China to create a secure and safe environment for local and foreign investments.
It says the proposed security arrangement has a development dimension to it, "covering the humanitarian needs of the country besides maintaining the rule of law".
The government said it still values its 2017 Security Agreement with Australia.
"The Solomon Islands continues to preserve its Security Agreement with Australia as it develops and deepens its relations with all partners including China."
The statement said the country recognises and applauds all development support and assistance from its partners including China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, United States and Indonesia amongst others.
This comes as Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said a security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands would be "very concerning".
A draft copy of a security MOU circulated on social media states it would cover Chinese police, armed police and the military assisting the Solomon Islands on social order, disaster response and protecting the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in the Solomon Islands.
The draft also provides for Chinese naval ships to carry out logistical replenishments in Solomon Islands, fuelling anxiety in Canberra it would be a step towards a Chinese military base in the region.
The Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan told the ABC the government is worried it could undermine the sovereignty of the Solomon Islands.
