The White House stated Friday that a high-level U.S. delegation has met with the Solomon Islands' leadership in Honiara and raised concerns about the purpose and transparency of the agreement.

According to its statement, Solomon Islands' officials have clarified that the security deal was solely for domestic applications, but the U.S. delegation claimed that it posed "potential regional security implications" for Washington and its allies.

"If steps are taken to establish a de facto permanent military presence, power-projection capabilities, or a military installation, the delegation noted that the United States would then have significant concerns and respond significantly," it stated.

The White House did not specify how the United States would respond.