New Zealand is seriously concerned about the possible militarization of the Pacific Ocean following the decision of the Solomon Islands government on a security partnership with China, said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, AFP reported.

The Solomon Islands government's announcement that it is diversifying its security relationships outside of Australia has raised alarm in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Solomon Islands opposition leader Matthew Wale said in an interview with ABC that he was disappointed that Australia had taken no action to stop the deal with China after he warned the Australian high commissioner or ambassador last year.

High Commissioner Lachlan Strahan responded by tweeting: Australia has regularly and respectfully expressed its concerns (to the Solomon Islands) over the proposed Solomon Islands-China security cooperation agreement.

He added that the Pacific family is best suited to keep the Solomon Islands safe.

Washington has also expressed concern, and US officials have cited this as a reason to reopen the US embassy in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.

The Pacific island nation of less than a million people, located 2,000 kilometers northeast of Australia, switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019, a sign of China's growing influence in the Pacific.