Indefinitely Adjourned

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale adjourned the Pacific nation's parliament indefinitely on Monday, after staring down a no-confidence vote closely watched by China and US allies. The political drama unfolded as US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau arrived in the Solomons on Sunday, pledging the return of the Peace Corps.

Wale is reviewing a security pact struck with China in 2022 as he steers his nation closer to the US and Australia. He was forced to abruptly leave a Pacific islands leaders summit last week to fight the no-confidence motion. Diplomats at the Pacific Islands Forum told AFP that the survival of Wale's government would have security consequences for the region.

"The pace of change is fast"

Elected in May, Wale's government is negotiating a new treaty with Australia, struck a deal to allow US Coast Guard patrols, and is in talks for US investment in a port development previously eyed by China. The motion against him was withdrawn Sunday by its instigator, who was sacked as home affairs minister as more lawmakers crossed over to Wale's coalition.

"We hope to come back before Christmas to pass the budget," Wale told parliament. "The pace of change is fast." The pause will allow time to consider major policy changes including mining reform and the introduction of free education.