The athletes will be training in China for three months, as the two nations continue their collaboration on the event that is being partially funded by the Chinese by over 50 per cent, approximately SBD1.85 billion (£185 million/$226 million/€210 million), which includes construction of the main stadium.

Solomon Islands will be contributing one third of the cost, while Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Japan have also provided financial aid.

A meeting was held between Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Chinese Ambassador Li Ming alongside officials from the China International Development Cooperation agency as they signed a Memorandum of Understanding to confirm the training camp.

Sogavare switched the countries diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019 and also signed a security agreement with the Chinese, which was to the dislike of the United States.

China and the United States are competing against each other to gain influence over the Pacific region, as an United States delegation including the White House’s Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell, is visiting Pacific island countries this week and have already visited the Solomon Islands.

“During the brief courtesy visit, Solomon Islands and People’s Republic of China engaged in cordial, in-depth and rewarding communication that enhances SI-PRC cooperation,” Sogavare’s office said, according to the RFA.

China will also be sending nine coaches to continue training with the athletes until the Games.

The Solomon Islands is looking to secure 40 gold medals at this year's Pacific Games, a jump from the 2019 edition where the country's delegation only managed to win four.

The 2023 Pacific Games is due to take place from November 19 to December 2 in the city of Honiara.