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A Chinese company's attempt to lease an entire island in the Solomon Islands was blocked by the country's government, who described it as "unlawful". Professor Peter Gries, Professor of Politics and Director at Manchester University's China Institute, believes China's attempt was to build military influence in the region and gain access to resources. Photo: Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attend a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Credit: Reuters