The leader of the Solomon Islands blames foreign interference for protests that have ravaged the capital in recent days. He says some are upset over him switching allegiance from Taiwan to China. But critics also blame a lack of services and corruption.
Sogavare angered many in 2019, particularly leaders of the Solomon Islands’ most populous province, Malaita, when he cut the country’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Sogavare‘s critics also blame complaints about a lack of government services and corruption for the unrest. Some observers argue Australia intervened quickly to avoid Chinese security forces moving in to restore order.“The Solomon Islands reached out to us first ... as family because they trust us and we’ve worked hard for that trust in the Pacific,” Morrison told Adelaide Radio FiveAA.
China, meanwhile, expressed serious concern about recent attacks on some Chinese citizens and institutions, without providing details.“We believe that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sogavare, the Solomon Islands government can restore social order and stability as soon as possible,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Thursday.
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