Australia deploys soldiers in Solomon Islands after arson and riots

Riots and fires have broken out in the Solomon Islands, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. The Australian government has sent troops to restore order at the request of the archipelago.

Residents of Malaita Island set fire to a building near parliament in the capital Honiara, shops and a police station. They are demonstrating against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare because they feel disadvantaged by his government. They also accuse the government of corruption and are dissatisfied with Chinese companies that would grant jobs on the island group to foreigners, instead of to the local population.

China in Taiwan

Prime Minister Sogavare’s 2019 decision to cut ties with Taiwan and recognize only China appears to be playing a role in the conflict. The AP news agency reported that Sogavare said on Friday that foreign interference over his decision to strengthen ties with Beijing has fueled anti-government protests, arson and looting.

Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and enforces this view on countries with which it has ties. Fifteen nations still recognize Taiwan as a full-fledged country.

The soldiers from Australia are in Honiara at the request of the government of the Solomon Islands. They were sent under a security agreement that both countries signed in 2017. “It is not the intention of the Australian government to intervene in the internal affairs of the Solomon Islands. That is for them to solve,” said Australian Prime Minister Morrison.

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