Chinatown Mobbed in Solomon Islands Riots, Australian Troops Deployed

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According to officials in Canberra, Australian peacekeepers were deployed overnight to the riot-torn capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara, securing critical infrastructure amid anti-governmental protests. 

This comes after Solomons' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare requested help to aid in the violent unrest, which has been meaning to overthrow the current government. 

Sogavare contended that the Solomons have been "brought to its knees" due to the rioting, which saw a large part of Chinatown's district torched by the demonstrators. 

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian expressed "grave concern" and called on the Solomon Islands government "to take all necessary measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and organizations."

Australia deploys peacekeepers 

Australian Minister of Home Affairs Karen Andrews said that the mission deployed to the islands constituted 100 police and military personnel: "Twenty-three Australian Federal Police were deployed immediately yesterday, they are already on the ground in Honiara, more will be deployed today, about another 50," she told Sky News. 

She continued, "The situation is very volatile there. At the moment we know that the rioting has escalated over the last couple of days," she added.

Demonstrators carried boxes, crates, and sacks as flames crackled around them and plumes of thick black smoke rose into the city skies. The streets were filled with trash, debris, and tree branches. 

Scott Morrison, Australia's Prime Minister, said that the Australian deployment is expected to last for weeks, also mentioning that Australia does not intend to intervene in the Solomon Islands: "It is not the Australian government's intention in any way to intervene in the internal affairs of the Solomon Islands, that is for them to resolve," he said. "Our purpose here is to provide stability and security."

Fuel to the fire

Residents in Malaita, Solomon Islands, report that the central government has been neglecting the island. 

Furthermore, in 2019, Sogavare took the decision to cut ties with Taiwan, and recognize Beijing instead. 

Malaita authorities, on the other hand, maintained relations with Taiwanese authorities, defying and rejecting the government's decision. As a result, they receive generous aid from both Taiwan and the United States. 

Israeli flags have also been spotted in the protests; yet, there has not been much explanation provided for this sight.