An official document has been leaked revealing that Beijing has every intention of establishing a military presence in the Solomon Islands, despite denials from the Chinese Foreign Ministry who called such concerns “groundless and ill-intentioned” on April 1. The leaked letter of intent from Avic International Project Engineering Company, a Beijing-based state-owned aviation company, was addressed to Premier Leslie Kikolo of Isabel Province in the Solomon Islands on Sept. 29, 2020. The letter, which was seen by news.com.au, was signed by company president, Rong Qian, and opens with the following paragraph: “We, AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company … present this letter to demonstrate our intent to study the opportunity to develop naval and infrastructure projects on leased land for the People’s Liberation Army Navy in Isabel Province with exclusive rights for 75 years.” Rong also promised extensive vocational training opportunities to be established in the province that could help the Solomon …