Solomon Islands is due to host its first ever Pacific Games later this year, with more than 5,000 athletes from 24 nations set to compete from November 19 to December 2.

"We are only six months out, we are racing against time, however all our preparations are well on track as planned," Oge said.

"We are confident of hosting and delivering a memorable Games for the Pacific and for Solomon Islands."

Solomon Islands 2023 Games Facilities Committee chairman Joe Sika confirmed that all facilities should be ready by the end of August.

The construction of the Solomon Islands National Stadium - the venue for the Opening Ceremony - is being handled by the state-run China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.

"All contractors should complete all construction work on the venues and villages and have them handed over to the National Hosting Authority by the end of August this year," Sika said.

Apart from constructing the main venue, China is backing the Games with approximately SBD1.85 billion (£178.2 million/$221.8 million/€205 million) in funding.

The United States Embassy re-opened earlier this year for the first time since 1993, suggesting it is also trying to gain influence over the Pacific region.

Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Japan have also provided financial aid for the Pacific Games.

The multi-sport event has led to the postponement of the general election in the Solomon Islands.

Critics argue that it was a power grab move from Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, whose term was extended beyond the constitutional limit of four years because of its postponement until 2024.