Violent protests erupt against China in the Pacific nation of Solomon Islands; Australia deploys military

Canberra/Honiara/Beijing: – Violent riots have erupted on the Solomon Islands, with a pro-Chinese regime in the Pacific. The agitation against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who broke ties with Taiwan under Chinese pressure, has turned into a riot. Violent mobs have set fire to government offices and police stations, including in the Chinatown area of the capital Honiara. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that Australia has deployed its police and military forces on the Solomon Islands, following reports that the situation has spiralled out of control.

Over the last few years, China has been pushing hard to expand its influence in the entire Pacific Ocean, including the Indo-Pacific. For this, China had started using its economic might. According to various reports, eight island nations in the Pacific region have received nearly $2 billion in financial aid and loans. Two years ago, the Chinese regime forced the Solomon Islands government to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. After that, Tulagi Island, a part of the Solomon Islands, was taken over by a Chinese company.

These incidents have caused growing resentment among the people of the Solomon Islands. Allegations are rife that Prime Minister Sogavare has been consistently taking pro-China decisions and ignoring the interests of the local people. The general population of the country had benefited immensely from its diplomatic relations with Taiwan. But now it is being said that the facilities of the general public are being neglected and there is intense resentment regarding this. Protesters in the Malaita Island region stormed the country’s parliament on Wednesday in protest.

The government announced a curfew as protesters reached the parliament. However, protesters broke through the curfew and took an aggressive stance. On Thursday, shops, offices, government buildings and police stations were set on fire in the Chinatown district of Honiara. Local police say the situation has gotten out of hand. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Sogavare approached Australia and appealed for assistance. On Thursday, Australia sent a contingent of more than 100 police and military personnel to the Solomon Islands.

The Chinese embassy in the Solomon Islands has expressed grave concern over the violence in the country. After the Australian deployment, Prime Minister Sogavare has said that he has the country’s reins in his hands and the situation is under control. Analysts claim that the anti-China riots on the Solomon Islands are part of a backlash against Chinese actions on the international level.