China's foreign minister starts Pacific tour in the Solomons

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a 20-strong delegation arrived in the Solomon Islands at the start of an eight-nation tour. Wang and the Chinese delegation are visiting amid growing concerns over Beijing's military and financial ambitions in the South Pacific.

China signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands last month in a move that sent shock waves around the world. That pact has raised fears that China could send troops to the island nation or even establish a military base there, not far from Australia.

The Solomon Islands and China say there are no plans for a base. A draft document obtained by The Associated Press shows that Wang is hoping to strike a deal with 10 small Pacific nations during his tour.