Solomon Islands PM survives no-confidence attempt

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale adjourned parliament indefinitely on Monday after a no-confidence motion against his government was withdrawn.

The motion was withdrawn on Sunday by Manasseh Maelanga, who had been sacked as home affairs minister. More lawmakers had crossed over to Wale's coalition before the withdrawal.

The adjournment prevents another immediate challenge to Wale, whose government was elected in May. Wale told parliament he hoped it would return before Christmas to pass the budget, and said the pause would allow time to consider policy changes including mining reform and free education.

The political test came as Wale reviews a 2022 security pact with China and steers Solomon Islands closer to the United States and Australia. US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau arrived in the country on Sunday and pledged the return of the Peace Corps.

Diplomats at the Pacific Islands Forum said the survival of Wale's government would have security consequences for the region. James Batley, Australia's former high commissioner to Solomon Islands, said he expected the Australian government to be relieved.