Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to support the Solomon Islands without any political conditions during a meeting with the nation's prime minister.

Xi met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Beijing on Monday.

Xi described the two countries as "trustworthy friends and reliable brothers" during the talks, according to China's foreign minister. The Solomon Islands severed ties with Taiwan in 2019 and established diplomatic relations with China.

Xi also assured Sogavare that China supports more of its businesses investing in the Solomon Islands and will continue to provide economic and technical assistance to the nation with no political strings attached.

Sogavare reportedly told Xi that it was the right decision to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing, calling China a "trustworthy partner" who helps his nation's development.

The United States has lately taken a range of steps to deepen its involvement in the South Pacific. In February, the country opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands.

Observers say the move by the US prompted Beijing to take further action to expand its influence in the region.