Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has refused to resign after rioting rocked the country.

Sogavare said, "It is very clear that the recent events were well planned and orchestrated to remove me as the prime minister for unsubstantiated reasons."

"I want to show the nation that the government is fully intent and nothing will move us. We must and will never bow down to the evil intention of a few people," he added.

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Sogavare blamed outside interference for stirring up the protests calling for his resignation, with a thinly veiled reference to Taiwan and the United States.

Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said in a statement: “We have nothing to do with the unrest”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-riots-whats-behind-the-protests-431839">Also read |&nbsp;Solomon islands riots: What’s behind the protests?</a>

Many of the protesters come from the most populous province of Malaita, where there is resentment toward the government and opposition to its 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China.

China and Taiwan have been rivals in the South Pacific for decades with some island nations switching allegiances.

China views Taiwan as a wayward province with no right to state-to-state ties, which the government in Taipei hotly disputes. Only 15 countries maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">Also read |&nbsp;Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China</a>

"We must and will never bow down to the evil intention of a few people. We must stand up to intimidation, bullying and violence. We owe this to our children and the majority of our people who cannot defend themselves," the Solomon Islands leader said.

"Rest assured that they (instigators) will face the full brunt of the law and arrests are already &nbsp;being made as investigations continue, with more arrests to follow," he added.

Critics have blamed the unrest on complaints of a lack of government services and accountability, corruption and Chinese businesses giving jobs to foreigners instead of locals.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has refused to resign after rioting rocked the country. Sogavare said, "It is very clear that the recent events were well planned and orchestrated to remove me as the prime minister for unsubstantiated reasons.

Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has refused to resign after rioting rocked the country. Sogavare said, "It is very clear that the recent events were well planned and orchestrated to remove me as the prime minister for unsubstantiated reasons." "I want to show the nation that the government is fully intent and nothing will move us. We must and will never bow down to the evil intention of a few people," he added. Sogavare blamed outside interference for stirring up the protests calling for his resignation, with a thinly veiled reference to Taiwan and the United States. Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said in a statement: “We have nothing to do with the unrest”. Also read | Solomon islands riots: What’s behind the protests? Many of the protesters come from the most populous province of Malaita, where there is resentment toward the government and opposition to its 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China. China and Taiwan have been rivals in the South Pacific for decades with some island nations switching allegiances. China views Taiwan as a wayward province with no right to state-to-state ties, which the government in Taipei hotly disputes. Only 15 countries maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Also read | Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China "We must and will never bow down to the evil intention of a few people. We must stand up to intimidation, bullying and violence. We owe this to our children and the majority of our people who cannot defend themselves," the Solomon Islands leader said. "Rest assured that they (instigators) will face the full brunt of the law and arrests are already being made as investigations continue, with more arrests to follow," he added. Critics have blamed the unrest on complaints of a lack of government services and accountability, corruption and Chinese businesses giving jobs to foreigners instead of locals. (With inputs from agencies)

Solomon Islands: PM Manasseh Sogavare defies pressure to resign after unrest

Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;police have found three bodies in a burned-out building, Australian media said on Saturday, as police made more than a hundred arrests following rioting in the South Pacific capital in the past several days.

Charred bodies were discovered in a store in the Chinatown district late on Friday, Australia's national broadcaster ABC said, citing a report from a security guard.

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Many of the protesters come from the most populous province of Malaita, where there is resentment toward the government and opposition to its 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China.

Forensic teams have launched an investigation and were still on the scene, but the cause of the deaths was unclear, ABC quoted police as saying.

Buildings in the Chinatown neighbourhood were looted and burnt during the rioting in the capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-pm-sogavares-request-australias-police-begins-to-take-control-of-solomon-islands-capital-432045" hreflang="en">On PM Sogavare's request, Australia's police begins to take control of Solomon Islands’&nbsp;capital&nbsp;</a>

More than a hundred people were arrested for rioting and looting linked to the current protests, the Royal&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;Police Force said in a statement on Saturday.

Local police have been backed up by arrivals from Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Some 50 officers from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary arrived in Honiara on Friday, a day after Australia sent its own forces to the capital, both in response to requests from the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;government.

"Australia and Papua New Guinea are concerned about the violent turn that protests have taken in Honiara and jointly emphasise the importance of resolving tensions peacefully," said Papua New Guinea's minister for foreign affairs Soroi Eoe, and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

"We are aiming to help restore calm and allow normal constitutional processes to operate," they said in a joint statement on Saturday.

Solomon Islands police have found three bodies in a burned-out building, Australian media said on Saturday, as police made more than a hundred arrests following rioting in the South Pacific capital in the past several days.

Solomon Islands police have found three bodies in a burned-out building, Australian media said on Saturday, as police made more than a hundred arrests following rioting in the South Pacific capital in the past several days. Charred bodies were discovered in a store in the Chinatown district late on Friday, Australia's national broadcaster ABC said, citing a report from a security guard. Many of the protesters come from the most populous province of Malaita, where there is resentment toward the government and opposition to its 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China. Forensic teams have launched an investigation and were still on the scene, but the cause of the deaths was unclear, ABC quoted police as saying. Buildings in the Chinatown neighbourhood were looted and burnt during the rioting in the capital. Also read | On PM Sogavare's request, Australia's police begins to take control of Solomon Islands’ capital More than a hundred people were arrested for rioting and looting linked to the current protests, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force said in a statement on Saturday. Local police have been backed up by arrivals from Papua New Guinea and Australia. Some 50 officers from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary arrived in Honiara on Friday, a day after Australia sent its own forces to the capital, both in response to requests from the Solomon Islands government. "Australia and Papua New Guinea are concerned about the violent turn that protests have taken in Honiara and jointly emphasise the importance of resolving tensions peacefully," said Papua New Guinea's minister for foreign affairs Soroi Eoe, and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. "We are aiming to help restore calm and allow normal constitutional processes to operate," they said in a joint statement on Saturday.

Solomon Islands police find 3 bodies, make arrests

In 2019, the Solomon Islands broke ties with Taiwan. Allegedly, China bribed politicians for the switch. Now angry citizens in the country are going after Chinese establishments. Palki Sharma tells you how China's moves in Solomon Islands led to riots.

Gravitas: Chinese bribes triggered a riot in this country

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that the country will deploy the military to aid the Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had requested assistance from Australia after protesters in the Pacific Island nation defied a curfew to protest for a second consecutive day.

Solomon islands PM refuses to resign even amid growing protests in region

In 2019, the Solomon Islands switched diplomatic allegiances from Taiwan to China. Two years later, angry citizens have stormed the country's parliament and set buildings on fire. Palki Sharma tells you how the Taiwan decision led to riots in the Solomon Islands

Gravitas: The China-Taiwan issue led to riots in this Island nation

After violent protests rocked Solomon Islands, Australia's police on Friday have started to take control of the country’s capital Honiara on the request of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, said witnesses. &nbsp;

Blaming foreign countries for stoking the violent protests, Sogavare asked for help from Australia on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Australia has sent around 100 police personnel and was "clearly focused on stability in our region", Foreign Minister Marise Payne said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-spread-of-protest-in-solomon-islands-australia-to-deploy-military-431949" hreflang="en">After spread of protest in Solomon Islands, Australia to deploy military</a> &nbsp;

The looting and the burning of buildings continued on Friday morning. Tear gas was used in Chinatown and a new curfew is also expected to be imposed later in the day, a resident told Reuters. &nbsp;

Several protesters belong to Malaita, which is the most populous province of the South Pacific Island nation. &nbsp;

They have been feeling overlooked by the government in Guadalcanal province. Not just this, they also oppose its 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-riots-whats-behind-the-protests-431839" hreflang="en">Solomon islands riots: What’s behind the protests?</a>

"I feel sorry for my people in Malaita because they are fed with false and deliberate lies about the switch,” Sogavare told Australian Broadcasting Corporation. &nbsp;

“These very countries that are now influencing Malaita are the countries that don't want ties with the People's Republic of China, and they are discouraging Solomon Islands to enter into diplomatic relations and to comply with international law and the United Nations resolution," Sogavare added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After violent protests rocked Solomon Islands, Australia's police on Friday have started to take control of the country’s capital Honiara on the request of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, said witnesses.

After violent protests rocked Solomon Islands, Australia's police on Friday have started to take control of the country’s capital Honiara on the request of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, said witnesses. Blaming foreign countries for stoking the violent protests, Sogavare asked for help from Australia on Friday. Australia has sent around 100 police personnel and was "clearly focused on stability in our region", Foreign Minister Marise Payne said. Also Read: After spread of protest in Solomon Islands, Australia to deploy military The looting and the burning of buildings continued on Friday morning. Tear gas was used in Chinatown and a new curfew is also expected to be imposed later in the day, a resident told Reuters. Several protesters belong to Malaita, which is the most populous province of the South Pacific Island nation. They have been feeling overlooked by the government in Guadalcanal province. Not just this, they also oppose its 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China. Also Read: Solomon islands riots: What’s behind the protests? "I feel sorry for my people in Malaita because they are fed with false and deliberate lies about the switch,” Sogavare told Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “These very countries that are now influencing Malaita are the countries that don't want ties with the People's Republic of China, and they are discouraging Solomon Islands to enter into diplomatic relations and to comply with international law and the United Nations resolution," Sogavare added. (With inputs from agencies)

On PM Sogavare's request, Australia's police begins to take control of Solomon Islands’ capital  

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that the country will deploy the military&nbsp;to aid the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare&nbsp;had requested&nbsp;assistance from Australia after&nbsp;protesters in the Pacific Island nation defied a curfew to protest for a second consecutive day.

Australia&nbsp;will send 23 police officers immediately to assist with riot control, Morrison said, with a further 50 personnel to enforce security at critical infrastructure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-burn-down-parliament-building-police-station-in-solomon-islands-431715" hreflang="en">Protesters burn down parliament building, police station in Solomon Islands</a>

Morrison said another 43 military troops will be sent to aid&nbsp;Australian police officers.

"Our purpose here is to provide stability and security to enable the normal constitutional processes, within the Solomon Islands, to be able to deal with the various issues that have arisen," Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

"It is not the&nbsp;Australian government's intention in any way to intervene in the internal affairs of the Solomon Islands, that is for them to resolve."

The deployment of&nbsp;Australian personnel comes amid reports and images shared on social media showing crowds of protesters and burning buildings in the Chinatown district of Honiara.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China</a>

Many protesters travelled from the most populous province Malaita to the capital because of concern about being overlooked by the national government, according to media reports.

The province opposed a 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China, resulting in an independence referendum last year which the national government has dismissed as illegitimate.

The Solomons, the scene of some of the fiercest fighting in the Second World War, experienced major rioting in 2006 following disputed elections, with many Chinese-owned businesses in Honiara burnt and looted.

Sogavare on Wednesday declared a 36-hour lockdown in Honiara after the latest unrest, calling it "another sad and unfortunate event aimed at bringing a democratically elected government down".

The lockdown, which would run until 7 a.m. on Friday, would "allow our law enforcement agencies to fully investigate the perpetrators of today's events and to prevent further lawless destruction," Sogavare said.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) urged people attending schools and businesses around Honiara to stay home to avoid being affected by unrest.

"We want to make sure that our streets, schools and businesses will reopen soon after the lockdown," said RSIPF deputy commissioner Juanita Matanga in a statement.

"I am asking for your cooperation until the situation turns normal."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that the country will deploy the military to aid the Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had requested assistance from Australia after protesters in the Pacific Island nation defied a curfew to protest for a second consecutive day. Australia will send 23 police officers immediately to assist with riot control, Morrison said, with a further 50 personnel to enforce security at critical infrastructure. Also read | Protesters burn down parliament building, police station in Solomon Islands Morrison said another 43 military troops will be sent to aid Australian police officers. "Our purpose here is to provide stability and security to enable the normal constitutional processes, within the Solomon Islands, to be able to deal with the various issues that have arisen," Morrison told reporters in Canberra. "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." The deployment of Australian personnel comes amid reports and images shared on social media showing crowds of protesters and burning buildings in the Chinatown district of Honiara. Also read | Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China Many protesters travelled from the most populous province Malaita to the capital because of concern about being overlooked by the national government, according to media reports. The province opposed a 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China, resulting in an independence referendum last year which the national government has dismissed as illegitimate. The Solomons, the scene of some of the fiercest fighting in the Second World War, experienced major rioting in 2006 following disputed elections, with many Chinese-owned businesses in Honiara burnt and looted. Sogavare on Wednesday declared a 36-hour lockdown in Honiara after the latest unrest, calling it "another sad and unfortunate event aimed at bringing a democratically elected government down". The lockdown, which would run until 7 a.m. on Friday, would "allow our law enforcement agencies to fully investigate the perpetrators of today's events and to prevent further lawless destruction," Sogavare said. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) urged people attending schools and businesses around Honiara to stay home to avoid being affected by unrest. "We want to make sure that our streets, schools and businesses will reopen soon after the lockdown," said RSIPF deputy commissioner Juanita Matanga in a statement. "I am asking for your cooperation until the situation turns normal."

After spread of protest in Solomon Islands, Australia to deploy military

Protests rocked the capital of the Solomon Islands on Thursday for the second straight day as rioters clashed with the police, set buildings on fire, looted properties and demanded that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare resign.

Protesters were met by police with tear gas and rubber bullets on Wednesday after they stormed the national Parliament and set a police station and buildings in Chinatown ablaze, according to the authorities. On Thursday, more buildings in Chinatown went up in flames, according to local news media.

Here’s what we know about the protesters’ grievances.

Who and what are behind the protests?

Many of the protesters traveled from the island of Malaita to Guadalcanal Island, which houses the nation’s capital, according to officials and local news reports.

Experts say discontent has simmered for decades between the two islands, mainly over a perceived unequal distribution of resources and a lack of economic support that has left Malaita one of the least-developed provinces in the island nation.

There has also been lingering dissatisfaction in Malaita over the central government’s decision in 2019 to switch diplomatic allegiances to China from Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-shows-black-lives-do-matter-as-3-georgian-men-declared-guilty-of-murdering-black-jogger-431767">Also read |&nbsp;America shows black lives do matter as 3 Georgian men declared guilty of murdering black jogger</a>

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Beijing of bribing Solomons politicians to abandon Taipei in the run-up to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China under the Communist Party.

How did the Solomon Islands become the focus of world powers?

The Solomon Islands is an archipelago made up of nearly a thousand islands in the Pacific, about 1,000 miles northeast of Australia. The island chain has a population of just 650,000, primarily farmers and fishers.

Malaita is the most populous of the islands, with a population of 160,500 as of last year. Densely forested, mountainous and volcanic, it lies 30 miles northeast of Guadalcanal, the larger island, across Indispensable Strait.

The island nation found itself in a heightened geopolitical tug of war because of the 2019 decision, which dealt a blow both to Taipei’s global standing and to Washington’s regional diplomacy.

The United States sees the Solomon Islands, and other Pacific nations, as crucial in preventing China from asserting influence in the region.

China has been investing heavily in the Pacific, to the alarm of U.S. officials. In 2019, a Chinese company signed an agreement to lease one of the islands, but the agreement was subsequently ruled illegal by the attorney general of the Solomon Islands.

How did the switch in allegiances affect the country?

Some experts draw a straight line from the 2019 decision to this week’s unrest.

Behind the riots was “quite a lot of unhappiness about that switch,” said Sinclair Dinnen, an associate professor at the Australian National University’s Department of Pacific Affairs.

Malaita’s premier, Daniel Suidani, has been a vocal critic of that decision by the prime minister, and Malaita continues to maintain a relationship with and receive support from Taiwan — in contravention to the central government’s position, said Mihai Sora, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute and a former Australian diplomat to the Solomon Islands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-qaeda-chief-zawahiri-in-a-new-video-criticises-un-for-being-hostile-towards-islam-431829">Also read |&nbsp;Al Qaeda chief Zawahiri, in a new video, criticises UN for being hostile towards Islam</a>

With the United States providing Malaita with direct foreign aid while China supports the central government, existing fractures in the nation have deepened, he said.

“Geostrategic competition does not by itself trigger rioting,” Sora said, “but it’s the actions of these large nations as they curry sympathy with local actors — favoring some over others to pursue their own strategic objectives without pausing to consider what are already deep social and political undercurrents in the country — that have a destabilizing effect on social cohesion.”

What has been the fallout from the riots?

After hundreds of people took to the streets and set fire to a building near Parliament, Sogavare announced a three-day curfew: from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Friday.

He accused the protesters of being politically motivated, saying in a video address, “Today our nation witnessed another sad and unfortunate event aimed at bringing a democratically elected government down.”

Sogavare also vowed that the authorities would find the protest’s organizers and bring them to justice.

The Chinese Embassy in Honiara called on the authorities to protect Chinese residents, according to a statement posted on social media.

The embassy said it had “asked the Solomon Islands to take all necessary measures to strengthen the protection of Chinese enterprises and personnel.”

It also advised Chinese residents in “high-risk areas” to shut their businesses and hire security guards.

How could this end?

Sora, the former Australian diplomat, said that in a country where civil unrest is not unusual, it appeared that the police had responded “quite ably.” He said he had not yet seen any indications that the government would not be able to retain control.

On Tuesday, before the protests started but as Malaitians had started to converge on the capital, a group of federal Malaitan members of Parliament called on Suidani and protest leaders to “refrain from inciting Malaitans to engage in unlawful activities.”

They also urged opposition parliamentarians to “refrain from fanning the flames of violence and incitement.”

But by Thursday, 16 buildings were on fire or had been burned down in Chinatown, according to Nathan Ruser, a researcher at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. He arrived at the number by cross-referencing on-the-ground videos and photos with maps of the area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/an-epidemic-in-amazon-gold-rush-attracts-hundreds-of-dredging-rafts-to-amazon-river-431809">Also read |&nbsp;'An epidemic in Amazon': Gold rush attracts hundreds of dredging rafts to Amazon river</a>

Videos posted to social media showed large crowds gathering in Chinatown as plumes of smoke billow from buildings.

Other individuals and groups latched on to the protest for various reasons, Dinnen said.

Machinations by the political opposition to unseat the government, and opportunistic rioters, contributed to the size of the crowds, he said.

Protests rocked the capital of the Solomon Islands on Thursday for the second straight day as rioters clashed with the police, set buildings on fire, looted properties and demanded that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare resign.

Protests rocked the capital of the Solomon Islands on Thursday for the second straight day as rioters clashed with the police, set buildings on fire, looted properties and demanded that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare resign. Protesters were met by police with tear gas and rubber bullets on Wednesday after they stormed the national Parliament and set a police station and buildings in Chinatown ablaze, according to the authorities. On Thursday, more buildings in Chinatown went up in flames, according to local news media. Here’s what we know about the protesters’ grievances. Who and what are behind the protests? Many of the protesters traveled from the island of Malaita to Guadalcanal Island, which houses the nation’s capital, according to officials and local news reports. Experts say discontent has simmered for decades between the two islands, mainly over a perceived unequal distribution of resources and a lack of economic support that has left Malaita one of the least-developed provinces in the island nation. There has also been lingering dissatisfaction in Malaita over the central government’s decision in 2019 to switch diplomatic allegiances to China from Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its territory. Also read | America shows black lives do matter as 3 Georgian men declared guilty of murdering black jogger Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Beijing of bribing Solomons politicians to abandon Taipei in the run-up to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China under the Communist Party. How did the Solomon Islands become the focus of world powers? The Solomon Islands is an archipelago made up of nearly a thousand islands in the Pacific, about 1,000 miles northeast of Australia. The island chain has a population of just 650,000, primarily farmers and fishers. Malaita is the most populous of the islands, with a population of 160,500 as of last year. Densely forested, mountainous and volcanic, it lies 30 miles northeast of Guadalcanal, the larger island, across Indispensable Strait. The island nation found itself in a heightened geopolitical tug of war because of the 2019 decision, which dealt a blow both to Taipei’s global standing and to Washington’s regional diplomacy. The United States sees the Solomon Islands, and other Pacific nations, as crucial in preventing China from asserting influence in the region. China has been investing heavily in the Pacific, to the alarm of U.S. officials. In 2019, a Chinese company signed an agreement to lease one of the islands, but the agreement was subsequently ruled illegal by the attorney general of the Solomon Islands. How did the switch in allegiances affect the country? Some experts draw a straight line from the 2019 decision to this week’s unrest. Behind the riots was “quite a lot of unhappiness about that switch,” said Sinclair Dinnen, an associate professor at the Australian National University’s Department of Pacific Affairs. Malaita’s premier, Daniel Suidani, has been a vocal critic of that decision by the prime minister, and Malaita continues to maintain a relationship with and receive support from Taiwan — in contravention to the central government’s position, said Mihai Sora, a research fellow at the Lowy Institute and a former Australian diplomat to the Solomon Islands. Also read | Al Qaeda chief Zawahiri, in a new video, criticises UN for being hostile towards Islam With the United States providing Malaita with direct foreign aid while China supports the central government, existing fractures in the nation have deepened, he said. “Geostrategic competition does not by itself trigger rioting,” Sora said, “but it’s the actions of these large nations as they curry sympathy with local actors — favoring some over others to pursue their own strategic objectives without pausing to consider what are already deep social and political undercurrents in the country — that have a destabilizing effect on social cohesion.” What has been the fallout from the riots? After hundreds of people took to the streets and set fire to a building near Parliament, Sogavare announced a three-day curfew: from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Friday. He accused the protesters of being politically motivated, saying in a video address, “Today our nation witnessed another sad and unfortunate event aimed at bringing a democratically elected government down.” Sogavare also vowed that the authorities would find the protest’s organizers and bring them to justice. The Chinese Embassy in Honiara called on the authorities to protect Chinese residents, according to a statement posted on social media. The embassy said it had “asked the Solomon Islands to take all necessary measures to strengthen the protection of Chinese enterprises and personnel.” It also advised Chinese residents in “high-risk areas” to shut their businesses and hire security guards. How could this end? Sora, the former Australian diplomat, said that in a country where civil unrest is not unusual, it appeared that the police had responded “quite ably.” He said he had not yet seen any indications that the government would not be able to retain control. On Tuesday, before the protests started but as Malaitians had started to converge on the capital, a group of federal Malaitan members of Parliament called on Suidani and protest leaders to “refrain from inciting Malaitans to engage in unlawful activities.” They also urged opposition parliamentarians to “refrain from fanning the flames of violence and incitement.” But by Thursday, 16 buildings were on fire or had been burned down in Chinatown, according to Nathan Ruser, a researcher at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. He arrived at the number by cross-referencing on-the-ground videos and photos with maps of the area. Also read | 'An epidemic in Amazon': Gold rush attracts hundreds of dredging rafts to Amazon river Videos posted to social media showed large crowds gathering in Chinatown as plumes of smoke billow from buildings. Other individuals and groups latched on to the protest for various reasons, Dinnen said. Machinations by the political opposition to unseat the government, and opportunistic rioters, contributed to the size of the crowds, he said.

Solomon islands riots: What’s behind the protests?

Curfew has been imposed in Solomon Islands capital Honiara after protesters allegedly burned down a building in the parliament precinct, a police station and a store, amid reports of looting.

The burnt building was reportedly owned by a Chinese national.

The agitators were demanding the prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, to step down over failure to deliver promised infrastructure among other complaints, according to local media reports.

According to reports, the protesters belonged to Malaita province, the most populous province in the pacific island country,&nbsp;whose provincial government has had tense relations with the central government for years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China</a>

The tensions are also being attributed to Sogavare’s decision in 2019 to cut&nbsp;ties with Taiwan and establish a diplomatic relationship with China—a move that angered Malaita premier Daniel Suidani.

Police on Wednesday fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of protesters when they marched towards the parliament, a police spokesman said.

“A crowd formed in front of the parliament, I don’t know the exact numbers but it was a huge crowd,” the unnamed policeman told the AFP news agency.

“They intended to make the prime minister resign – that’s the public speculation – but we’re still investigating the motives. The important thing is police now have control of the situation and no one is out on the streets.”

He said police were unaware of any injuries.

Many communities in Malaita had forged deep ties with Taipei and the island’s local government has repeatedly complained about&nbsp;embracing China.

(With inputs from agencies)

Curfew has been imposed in Solomon Islands capital Honiara after protesters allegedly burned down a building in the parliament precinct, a police station and a store, amid reports of looting.

Curfew has been imposed in Solomon Islands capital Honiara after protesters allegedly burned down a building in the parliament precinct, a police station and a store, amid reports of looting. The burnt building was reportedly owned by a Chinese national. The agitators were demanding the prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, to step down over failure to deliver promised infrastructure among other complaints, according to local media reports. According to reports, the protesters belonged to Malaita province, the most populous province in the pacific island country, whose provincial government has had tense relations with the central government for years. Also read | Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China The tensions are also being attributed to Sogavare’s decision in 2019 to cut ties with Taiwan and establish a diplomatic relationship with China—a move that angered Malaita premier Daniel Suidani. Police on Wednesday fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of protesters when they marched towards the parliament, a police spokesman said. “A crowd formed in front of the parliament, I don’t know the exact numbers but it was a huge crowd,” the unnamed policeman told the AFP news agency. “They intended to make the prime minister resign – that’s the public speculation – but we’re still investigating the motives. The important thing is police now have control of the situation and no one is out on the streets.” He said police were unaware of any injuries. Many communities in Malaita had forged deep ties with Taipei and the island’s local government has repeatedly complained about embracing China. (With inputs from agencies)

Protesters burn down parliament building, police station in Solomon Islands

Over 100 unexploded bombs from World War II were recently discovered in the backyard of a home in Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands situated in the South Pacific. The 101 bombs are unexploded ordnances (UXO) which are explosives that did not detonate during the intended period and still&nbsp;pose risks wherever found.

This massive batch was discovered by a man who was digging a hole for a new septic system at his property situated in a residential enclave.

Soon after the discovery, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) dispatched the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad. The 101 US 105 millimetre High Explosive Projectiles were safely recovered from the site.&nbsp;

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The number of unexploded WWII bombs found around Honiara, Solomon Islands is alarming. Imagine discovering 32 live bombs while excavating land for a new home. 
Its time the US/Japan and their allies take serious note of this. Innocent lives are being lost here. <a href="https://t.co/biPIMFWEEM">pic.twitter.com/biPIMFWEEM</a>
— Dr. Paul Mae (@Kloppy15) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kloppy15/status/1393836376110501891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to the police, the bombs are being secured and will then be defused. The Guardian reported that EOD Inspector Clifford Tunuki warned Solomon Islanders against building on land which may possess a high level of UXO deposits. They have urged residents to get clearance from relevant companies before commencing work.

During World War II, thousands of bombs were dropped on the Pacific Islands including territories like Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Palau. Most of these bombs did not explode.

When the war ended, allied countries were urged to dispose of the UXO. Many countries undertook the activity, but not all UXO could be cleared. Earlier in May, two people died when a World War II exploded in a residential area in Honiara.

In 2020, an Australian man and his colleague from Britain who were working on a project to track munitions died in Solomon Islands when an explosive detonated in Honiara, a residential area.

Over 100 unexploded bombs from World War II were recently discovered in the backyard of a home in Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands situated in the South Pacific.

Over 100 unexploded bombs from World War II were recently discovered in the backyard of a home in Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands situated in the South Pacific. The 101 bombs are unexploded ordnances (UXO) which are explosives that did not detonate during the intended period and still pose risks wherever found. This massive batch was discovered by a man who was digging a hole for a new septic system at his property situated in a residential enclave. Soon after the discovery, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) dispatched the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad. The 101 US 105 millimetre High Explosive Projectiles were safely recovered from the site. The number of unexploded WWII bombs found around Honiara, Solomon Islands is alarming. Imagine discovering 32 live bombs while excavating land for a new home. Its time the US/Japan and their allies take serious note of this. Innocent lives are being lost here. pic.twitter.com/biPIMFWEEM — Dr. Paul Mae (@Kloppy15) May 16, 2021 × According to the police, the bombs are being secured and will then be defused. The Guardian reported that EOD Inspector Clifford Tunuki warned Solomon Islanders against building on land which may possess a high level of UXO deposits. They have urged residents to get clearance from relevant companies before commencing work. During World War II, thousands of bombs were dropped on the Pacific Islands including territories like Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Palau. Most of these bombs did not explode. When the war ended, allied countries were urged to dispose of the UXO. Many countries undertook the activity, but not all UXO could be cleared. Earlier in May, two people died when a World War II exploded in a residential area in Honiara. In 2020, an Australian man and his colleague from Britain who were working on a project to track munitions died in Solomon Islands when an explosive detonated in Honiara, a residential area.

Over 100 unexploded bombs from World War II found in Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands may soon ban the use of Facebook&nbsp;for an indeterminate period after inflammatory critique of the government was aired on the social media platform.

The Solomon Times reported the government, led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, would issue a formal statement on its decision later on Tuesday.

If the ban goes ahead, the Solomons would join only a handful of countries around the world, including China, to actively restrict the world's biggest social networking platform.

The government has been heavily criticised over the distribution of economic stimulus funds amid the coronavirus pandemic and the impact of the Pacific nation`s decision to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China.

Facebook is a hugely popular forum in the Solomons for discussion with the population of around 650,000 people spread out over a sprawling archipelago.

Solomon's Minister of Communication and Aviation, Peter Shanel Agovaka, is one of the chief supporters of the ban, according to the Solomon Times, and has blamed "abusive language" and "character assassination" of government ministers, including the prime minister, being carried on the platform for the decision.

Opposition leader Matthew Wale told Reuters he would oppose the ban.

The Solomon Islands may soon ban the use of Facebook for an indeterminate period after inflammatory critique of the government was aired on the social media platform.

The Solomon Islands may soon ban the use of Facebook for an indeterminate period after inflammatory critique of the government was aired on the social media platform. The Solomon Times reported the government, led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, would issue a formal statement on its decision later on Tuesday. If the ban goes ahead, the Solomons would join only a handful of countries around the world, including China, to actively restrict the world's biggest social networking platform. The government has been heavily criticised over the distribution of economic stimulus funds amid the coronavirus pandemic and the impact of the Pacific nation`s decision to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China. Facebook is a hugely popular forum in the Solomons for discussion with the population of around 650,000 people spread out over a sprawling archipelago. Solomon's Minister of Communication and Aviation, Peter Shanel Agovaka, is one of the chief supporters of the ban, according to the Solomon Times, and has blamed "abusive language" and "character assassination" of government ministers, including the prime minister, being carried on the platform for the decision. Opposition leader Matthew Wale told Reuters he would oppose the ban.

Solomon Islands may ban Facebook after government criticism on platform

Solomon Islands recorded its first coronavirus case on Saturday,&nbsp;Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced.

The person who got infected is a student who had just returned from the&nbsp;Philippines. He had earlier tested negative three times before departing for the Solomon Islands.

He has now tested positive and has been kept in isolation with two other immediate contacts. The infected student&nbsp;was asymptomatic. The health workers also being tested now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-scales-up-testing-capacity-from-1-in-january-to-over-77-cr-in-october-health-ministry-332379">Also read|&nbsp;India scales up testing capacity from 1 in January to over 7.7 cr in October: Health ministry</a>

"The planning, preparation, simulation and exercises have not been in vain and the government is confident of its capacity to respond, contain and manage the situation to ensure that the safety and well-being of the public is maintained," Sogavare said.

The infected man was one out of&nbsp;400 Solomon Islands nationals stranded in the Philippines after borders were closed and was brought back home on one of the&nbsp;three repatriation flights that the government had planned.

"My government is well aware of the risks involved in repatriating our students from the Philippines. We are also aware that keeping our children in the Philippines exposes them to even higher risks.

"As a responsible government, we cannot close our eyes to the plight of our children and bringing them home was the humane thing to do," he said.

Solomon Islands recorded its first coronavirus case on Saturday, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced. The person who got infected is a student who had just returned from the Philippines.

Solomon Islands recorded its first coronavirus case on Saturday, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced. The person who got infected is a student who had just returned from the Philippines. He had earlier tested negative three times before departing for the Solomon Islands. He has now tested positive and has been kept in isolation with two other immediate contacts. The infected student was asymptomatic. The health workers also being tested now. Also read| India scales up testing capacity from 1 in January to over 7.7 cr in October: Health ministry "The planning, preparation, simulation and exercises have not been in vain and the government is confident of its capacity to respond, contain and manage the situation to ensure that the safety and well-being of the public is maintained," Sogavare said. The infected man was one out of 400 Solomon Islands nationals stranded in the Philippines after borders were closed and was brought back home on one of the three repatriation flights that the government had planned. "My government is well aware of the risks involved in repatriating our students from the Philippines. We are also aware that keeping our children in the Philippines exposes them to even higher risks. "As a responsible government, we cannot close our eyes to the plight of our children and bringing them home was the humane thing to do," he said.

Solomon Islands reports first COVID-19 case

The United States and Vietnam fought a war for 19 years, and ultimately the americans had to accept defeat and pull back troops. Winston Churchill called Mahatma Gandhi a 'half naked fakir', but&nbsp;the British raj crumbled before the Mahatma and they had to leave India. A similar David versus Goliath battle is playing out today.

A small island, named&nbsp;Malaita, is standing up to the mighty China, settling an example for the world to follow.

Malaita is the largest province in the Solomon islands and it wants independence. It has announced a referendum and the&nbsp;trigger is china. Malaita does not want a relationship with China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-tit-for-tat-move-us-imposes-fresh-restrictions-on-chinese-diplomats-324854">Also read| In tit-for-tat move, US imposes fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats</a>

The island has a population of two lakh people. It is the second largest island in terms of area in the Solomon islands. The people of this island are called Malaitans.&nbsp;After Solomon's independence in 1978, many Malaitans rose to positions of prominence in the country. They hold many top positions in government and business. This is despite them being a minority.

This even led to tensions and violent clashes a few decades back in the&nbsp;early 21st century. From 1998 to 2003, Solomon islands witnessed civil unrest. There was even a coup in the year 2000. All of this was triggered by cultural, ethnic and political divisions.

Now all these differences have surfaced again and pose a bigger challenge.

China's role

Last year, the national government of the Solomon islands took a major decision. It ended a 36 year long alliance with Taiwan and&nbsp;moved to the China camp, but the province of Malaita protested because it has&nbsp;close ties with Taiwan.

Now, as a bigger battle for power and influence plays out on the global stage, Malaita wants to seize the moment. Its leader has announced an independence referendum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-has-already-banned-100-plus-chinese-apps-call-on-nations-to-join-the-clean-network-us-324853">Also read|&nbsp;India has already banned 100 plus Chinese apps, call on nations to join the Clean Network: US</a>

Malaita has always wanted to be free of the Solomon islands and the leaders&nbsp;believe now is the time to do it. They already seem to have the United States on their side. Reports say Malaita is in talks with the US to develop a deep-sea port to counter China which is pursuing developmenal projects in the capital of the Solomon islands.

Recent developments

First development is that Taiwan sent medical aid to Malaita, but&nbsp;it never reached them as it was seized by the capital, backed by the Chinese.

Second development is that&nbsp;China has started sending chartered flights to the island.

The solomon islands is among the very few countries in the world which remains untouched by the coronavirus but the national government has now allowed chartered flights from China for&nbsp;repatriation of citizens and for Chinese development partners. The government wants to kickstart infrastructure projects, despite the risk of the coronavirus.

On Wednesday, one such chartered flight landed in the Solomon islands, bringing&nbsp;back stranded citizens and a special guest — Li Ming, a&nbsp;new Chinese ambassador. He flew in with Chinese officials and workers who will build new sports facilities in the Solomon islands.

China has been quick to mark its territory. It has already opened an embassy. The people of Malaita are raising questions as they&nbsp;are afarid that opening up air routes to China could bring in the coronavirus. The locals are questioning the reason behind building a&nbsp;sports facility on priority-basis during a global pandemic. They have asked all Chinese tour operators to leave the island.

The call for independence in Malaita will get worldwide attention because the Solomon islands is a strategically important pacific nation as it has several deep water ports. China wants to control them to challenge the US in the pacific, and&nbsp;this independence referendum disturbs China's diplomatic calculations.

The United States and Vietnam fought a war for 19 years, and ultimately the americans had to accept defeat and pull back troops. Winston Churchill called Mahatma Gandhi a 'half naked fakir', but the British raj crumbled before the Mahatma and they had to leave India.

The United States and Vietnam fought a war for 19 years, and ultimately the americans had to accept defeat and pull back troops. Winston Churchill called Mahatma Gandhi a 'half naked fakir', but the British raj crumbled before the Mahatma and they had to leave India. A similar David versus Goliath battle is playing out today. A small island, named Malaita, is standing up to the mighty China, settling an example for the world to follow. Malaita is the largest province in the Solomon islands and it wants independence. It has announced a referendum and the trigger is china. Malaita does not want a relationship with China. Also read| In tit-for-tat move, US imposes fresh restrictions on Chinese diplomats The island has a population of two lakh people. It is the second largest island in terms of area in the Solomon islands. The people of this island are called Malaitans. After Solomon's independence in 1978, many Malaitans rose to positions of prominence in the country. They hold many top positions in government and business. This is despite them being a minority. This even led to tensions and violent clashes a few decades back in the early 21st century. From 1998 to 2003, Solomon islands witnessed civil unrest. There was even a coup in the year 2000. All of this was triggered by cultural, ethnic and political divisions. Now all these differences have surfaced again and pose a bigger challenge. China's role Last year, the national government of the Solomon islands took a major decision. It ended a 36 year long alliance with Taiwan and moved to the China camp, but the province of Malaita protested because it has close ties with Taiwan. Now, as a bigger battle for power and influence plays out on the global stage, Malaita wants to seize the moment. Its leader has announced an independence referendum. Also read| India has already banned 100 plus Chinese apps, call on nations to join the Clean Network: US Malaita has always wanted to be free of the Solomon islands and the leaders believe now is the time to do it. They already seem to have the United States on their side. Reports say Malaita is in talks with the US to develop a deep-sea port to counter China which is pursuing developmenal projects in the capital of the Solomon islands. Recent developments First development is that Taiwan sent medical aid to Malaita, but it never reached them as it was seized by the capital, backed by the Chinese. Second development is that China has started sending chartered flights to the island. The solomon islands is among the very few countries in the world which remains untouched by the coronavirus but the national government has now allowed chartered flights from China for repatriation of citizens and for Chinese development partners. The government wants to kickstart infrastructure projects, despite the risk of the coronavirus. On Wednesday, one such chartered flight landed in the Solomon islands, bringing back stranded citizens and a special guest — Li Ming, a new Chinese ambassador. He flew in with Chinese officials and workers who will build new sports facilities in the Solomon islands. China has been quick to mark its territory. It has already opened an embassy. The people of Malaita are raising questions as they are afarid that opening up air routes to China could bring in the coronavirus. The locals are questioning the reason behind building a sports facility on priority-basis during a global pandemic. They have asked all Chinese tour operators to leave the island. The call for independence in Malaita will get worldwide attention because the Solomon islands is a strategically important pacific nation as it has several deep water ports. China wants to control them to challenge the US in the pacific, and this independence referendum disturbs China's diplomatic calculations.

Solomon's province Malaita seeks independence from China

The largest province in Solomon Islands has announced plans for an independence referendum. Malaita is miffed with the national government for choosing China over Taiwan.

Gravitas: A small Island is standing up to the mighty China

Four people have survived 32 days adrift in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pacific-oceans-astrigency-dissolving-dungeness-crabs-shells-study-277028">Pacific Ocean</a> by eating coconuts and drinking rainwater in a tribulation that claimed the lives of eight of their companions.

The group was from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/62-magnitude-earthquake-hits-papua-new-guinea-usgs-279557">Papua New Guinea</a>'s Bougainville province.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pacific-oceans-astrigency-dissolving-dungeness-crabs-shells-study-277028">Pacific Ocean's astringency dissolving Dungeness crabs' shells: Study</a>

According to reports, the group had set off from Bougainville on December 22&nbsp;to celebrate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tourists-enjoy-christmas-in-kashmir-valley-270208">Christmas </a>in the Carteret Islands.

But survivor Dominic Stally said their small boat capsized and a number of the group drowned.

The rest managed to right the vessel but there were further fatalities as they floated in the remote waters at the mercy of powerful ocean currents.

"We could do nothing with their dead bodies, we just have to let go of them at sea," he told the newspaper.

Watch: Man plans to swim 9100 km across Pacific ocean to raise plastic pollution awareness

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/man-plans-to-swim-9100-km-across-pacific-ocean-to-raise-plastic-pollution-awareness-139935/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"A couple have died and left behind their baby and I am the one who held onto the baby and later the baby died as well."

Stally said a number of fishing vessels passed nearby without noticing them until they were finally picked up on January 23 off New Caledonia after drifting some 2,000 kilometres.

The survivors comprised two men, a woman and a girl aged about 12.&nbsp;

They were dropped off in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, last Saturday and were discharged into the care of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/62-magnitude-earthquake-hits-papua-new-guinea-usgs-279557">Papua New Guinea</a>'s High Commissioner John Balavu after receiving treatment for dehydration.

In January 2014, Salvadoran fisherman Jose Alvarenga washed up in the Marshalls, more than 13 months after he set off from Mexico's west coast with a companion, who died during the voyage.

He had survived by eating raw fish and bird flesh while keeping hydrated by drinking rainwater, turtle blood and his own urine.

Four people have survived 32 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean by eating coconuts and drinking rainwater in a tribulation that claimed the lives of eight of their companions.

Four people have survived 32 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean by eating coconuts and drinking rainwater in a tribulation that claimed the lives of eight of their companions. The group was from Papua New Guinea's Bougainville province. Also read: Pacific Ocean's astringency dissolving Dungeness crabs' shells: Study According to reports, the group had set off from Bougainville on December 22 to celebrate Christmas in the Carteret Islands. But survivor Dominic Stally said their small boat capsized and a number of the group drowned. The rest managed to right the vessel but there were further fatalities as they floated in the remote waters at the mercy of powerful ocean currents. "We could do nothing with their dead bodies, we just have to let go of them at sea," he told the newspaper. Watch: Man plans to swim 9100 km across Pacific ocean to raise plastic pollution awareness "A couple have died and left behind their baby and I am the one who held onto the baby and later the baby died as well." Stally said a number of fishing vessels passed nearby without noticing them until they were finally picked up on January 23 off New Caledonia after drifting some 2,000 kilometres. The survivors comprised two men, a woman and a girl aged about 12. They were dropped off in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, last Saturday and were discharged into the care of Papua New Guinea's High Commissioner John Balavu after receiving treatment for dehydration. In January 2014, Salvadoran fisherman Jose Alvarenga washed up in the Marshalls, more than 13 months after he set off from Mexico's west coast with a companion, who died during the voyage. He had survived by eating raw fish and bird flesh while keeping hydrated by drinking rainwater, turtle blood and his own urine.

Four people survive 32 days adrift in Pacific by eating coconuts and drinking rainwater

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prince-charles-celebrates-71st-birthday-with-school-children-in-mumbai-262025">Prince Charles </a>warned Friday that time is running out to address the impact of climate change as he prepares to visit one of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-amazon-fires-to-venice-floods-climate-change-triggers-a-series-of-calamities-worldwide-262312"> Pacific island nations</a> most affected by global warming.&nbsp;

As he wrapped up a six-day trip to New Zealand ahead of three days in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-signs-deal-to-lease-pacific-island-in-solomons-256452">Solomon Islands</a>, Charles said the need for climate action was urgent.

"We have reached a tipping point and we still have the ability to change course, but only 10 years," said the first in line to the British throne, who has been a passionate environmentalist for decades.

He said climate change was a scientific fact, rejecting suggestions from sceptics that "scaremongering" was dominating the debate.

"We have abused nature, exploited her and given her nothing back in return," he told an audience at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-am-your-mother-now-new-zealand-mosque-shootings-hit-tight-knit-bangladesh-community-hard-204465">Christchurch's Lincoln University</a>.

"Nothing is sacred anymore, we are reaping a loss of biodiversity and experiencing the impacts of climate changes. We urgently need to pay the mounting debt."

He and wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will have the chance to see the impact of climate change at close quarters when they make their first visit to the Solomon Islands on Saturday.

Some communities in the impoverished archipelago have already had to move because of rising seas and the entire population of about 660,000 has been affected by increasingly extreme weather, including wild cyclones.

Prince Charles warned Friday that time is running out to address the impact of climate change as he prepares to visit one of the Pacific island nations most affected by global warming.

Prince Charles warned Friday that time is running out to address the impact of climate change as he prepares to visit one of the Pacific island nations most affected by global warming. As he wrapped up a six-day trip to New Zealand ahead of three days in the Solomon Islands, Charles said the need for climate action was urgent. "We have reached a tipping point and we still have the ability to change course, but only 10 years," said the first in line to the British throne, who has been a passionate environmentalist for decades. He said climate change was a scientific fact, rejecting suggestions from sceptics that "scaremongering" was dominating the debate. "We have abused nature, exploited her and given her nothing back in return," he told an audience at Christchurch's Lincoln University. "Nothing is sacred anymore, we are reaping a loss of biodiversity and experiencing the impacts of climate changes. We urgently need to pay the mounting debt." He and wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will have the chance to see the impact of climate change at close quarters when they make their first visit to the Solomon Islands on Saturday. Some communities in the impoverished archipelago have already had to move because of rising seas and the entire population of about 660,000 has been affected by increasingly extreme weather, including wild cyclones.

Have reached tipping point, still can change course: Prince Charles on climate change

There is nothing unusual about Chinese companies experiencing issues when investing in Pacific island states or elsewhere, China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, after a rebuffed attempt by a Chinese firm to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-signs-deal-to-lease-pacific-island-in-solomons-256452">lease an island</a> in the Solomons.

The Solomon Islands government said last week a deal signed by one of its provinces to lease the entire island of Tulagi to a Chinese company is unlawful and should be terminated, a move applauded by United States.

Details of the long-term lease between the Solomons' Central Province and China Sam Enterprise Group were made public shortly after the Pacific nation switched diplomatic ties to Beijing from Taiwan in September. The shift was strongly criticised by the United States.

Speaking at a daily briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang noted there had been a "fair amount" of media attention on the case, and that is was their understanding the local government had not sought permission for the project from the central government.

China has always told its companies they must respect local laws and international rules when operating abroad, and that they were encouraging the Chinese company involved in this case to talk to the Solomons government to "appropriately" resolve the issue, he added.

"I'd like to say here that it is very normal for Chinese companies investing in or looking for commercial opportunities overseas, including in the Pacific island state region, to maybe have some issues in this process," Geng said.

The United States, however, was "abnormally excited" about this particular case, with even the US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper weighing in, looking to smear China's relationship with the region, he added.

"We no longer wonder at the sight of these cheap tricks, but can't help ask the Americans, do you really care about the interests of Pacific island states and their people? Or do you care more about your geopolitical interests? I think the US&nbsp;side should give a clear answer."

Though tiny in land mass, Pacific islands such as Tulagi have re-emerged as a strategic priority for the world's biggest nations, who are keen to lock-in alliances with countries that control vast swaths of resource-rich ocean between the Americas and Asia.

China, in particular, has in recent years expanded its financial and political influence in the Pacific, which have been a diplomatic stronghold for the United Sates and its regional allies since World War Two.

Esper had applauded the Solomons' decision to invalidate the agreement, which he applauded as "an important decision to reinforce sovereignty, transparency, and the rule of law".

Tulagi hosted US&nbsp;bases in World War Two and was the site of the Solomons' capital before it was moved to the island of Guadalcanal.

There is nothing unusual about Chinese companies experiencing issues when investing in Pacific island states or elsewhere, China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, after a rebuffed attempt by a Chinese firm to lease an island in the Solomons.

There is nothing unusual about Chinese companies experiencing issues when investing in Pacific island states or elsewhere, China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, after a rebuffed attempt by a Chinese firm to lease an island in the Solomons. The Solomon Islands government said last week a deal signed by one of its provinces to lease the entire island of Tulagi to a Chinese company is unlawful and should be terminated, a move applauded by United States. Details of the long-term lease between the Solomons' Central Province and China Sam Enterprise Group were made public shortly after the Pacific nation switched diplomatic ties to Beijing from Taiwan in September. The shift was strongly criticised by the United States. Speaking at a daily briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang noted there had been a "fair amount" of media attention on the case, and that is was their understanding the local government had not sought permission for the project from the central government. China has always told its companies they must respect local laws and international rules when operating abroad, and that they were encouraging the Chinese company involved in this case to talk to the Solomons government to "appropriately" resolve the issue, he added. "I'd like to say here that it is very normal for Chinese companies investing in or looking for commercial opportunities overseas, including in the Pacific island state region, to maybe have some issues in this process," Geng said. The United States, however, was "abnormally excited" about this particular case, with even the US Defense Secretary Mark Esper weighing in, looking to smear China's relationship with the region, he added. "We no longer wonder at the sight of these cheap tricks, but can't help ask the Americans, do you really care about the interests of Pacific island states and their people? Or do you care more about your geopolitical interests? I think the US side should give a clear answer." Though tiny in land mass, Pacific islands such as Tulagi have re-emerged as a strategic priority for the world's biggest nations, who are keen to lock-in alliances with countries that control vast swaths of resource-rich ocean between the Americas and Asia. China, in particular, has in recent years expanded its financial and political influence in the Pacific, which have been a diplomatic stronghold for the United Sates and its regional allies since World War Two. Esper had applauded the Solomons' decision to invalidate the agreement, which he applauded as "an important decision to reinforce sovereignty, transparency, and the rule of law". Tulagi hosted US bases in World War Two and was the site of the Solomons' capital before it was moved to the island of Guadalcanal.

China downplays Solomon island lease debacle, tells US to stay out

A Chinese company signed an agreement to lease an entire island in the Solomon Islands a day after Beijing recruited the Pacific nation as its latest ally in the strategically important region, according to documents obtained by AFP Thursday.

The leaked papers reveal that the Solomons' Central Province made a "strategic cooperation agreement" on Tulagi Island, which has the type of deep-water harbour coveted by the military, with the state-owned China Sam Group on September 22.

A day previously, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-solomon-islands-sign-deals-under-new-diplomatic-ties-254666">China and the Solomons</a> officially established diplomatic relations after Beijing persuaded the impoverished Pacific nation to sever ties with arch-rival Taiwan and become its ally.

Tulagi, an island about two square kilometres with a population of 1,200, is the site of a former Japanese naval base and was the scene of fierce fighting in World War II.

The agreement with China Sam mentions developing a refinery on the island, but its potential for dual use as a Chinese military base is certain to raise concerns with the United States and Australia.

"Party A (Central Province) is willing to first lease the whole Tulagi island and the surrounding islands to Party B (China Sam) for the development of the special economic zone," the agreement says.

It goes on to say the deal covers "any other industry that is suitable for development, including oil and gas development".

China Sam said in a statement issued Thursday that it was committed to cooperating with the Solomons in a number of areas, including trade, infrastructure, fisheries and tourism.

Jonathan Pryke, director of Sydney-based foreign policy think tank the Lowy Institute's Pacific programme, said it was not unusual for China to promise such special economic zones to developing nations that were desperate for investment.

"The fear is that these zones can in turn create enclaves of Chinese operations that could then grow over time into some kind of permanent strategic facility," he told AFP.

"The island in question in Solomon Islands has deep water anchorage so could have such strategic uses down the road."

Taiwan was previously the Solomons' largest ally in the Pacific region and the decision to ditch it for China after months of speculation was seen as a major diplomatic coup for Beijing.

Days later another Taipei loyalist in the region, Kiribati, did likewise.

The manoeuvring left Taiwan with just four nations that officially recognise it in the Pacific and 15 worldwide, while also alarming traditional western democratic powers.

The Pacific has long been a proxy battleground for Taiwan and China, with local leaders adept at playing one against the other for financial gain.

China has become more assertive in the Pacific as its economic might has grown and sees Taiwan as a renegade state which will eventually be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Other regional heavyweights, particularly Australia, fear Beijing's ultimate aim is to set up a naval base in the Pacific which would dramatically increase its military footprint in the area.

Such a move would potentially negate the geographic remoteness that provides Australia and New Zealand with a valuable defence buffer.

However, China Sam's arrangement with Central Province may count for little as it has not been approved by the central government in Honiara.

Central's Premier Stanley Manetiva played down its impacts in an interview with Radio New Zealand.

"To be honest here, leasing Tulagi will not be possible," he said. "Nothing will eventuate on the agreement."

Whether or not the deal goes ahead, the Lowy Institute's Pryke said the diplomatic upheavals between China and Taiwan were affecting good governance in the region.

"Corruption by its very nature is hard to quantify and systems of patronage were alive and well in the Pacific long before this new wave of Chinese engagement," he said.

"But this new Chinese engagement is certainly happening in a hurry, and it is most definitely making corruption in the Pacific worse."

A Chinese company signed an agreement to lease an entire island in the Solomon Islands a day after Beijing recruited the Pacific nation as its latest ally in the strategically important region, according to documents obtained by AFP Thursday.

A Chinese company signed an agreement to lease an entire island in the Solomon Islands a day after Beijing recruited the Pacific nation as its latest ally in the strategically important region, according to documents obtained by AFP Thursday. The leaked papers reveal that the Solomons' Central Province made a "strategic cooperation agreement" on Tulagi Island, which has the type of deep-water harbour coveted by the military, with the state-owned China Sam Group on September 22. A day previously, China and the Solomons officially established diplomatic relations after Beijing persuaded the impoverished Pacific nation to sever ties with arch-rival Taiwan and become its ally. Tulagi, an island about two square kilometres with a population of 1,200, is the site of a former Japanese naval base and was the scene of fierce fighting in World War II. The agreement with China Sam mentions developing a refinery on the island, but its potential for dual use as a Chinese military base is certain to raise concerns with the United States and Australia. "Party A (Central Province) is willing to first lease the whole Tulagi island and the surrounding islands to Party B (China Sam) for the development of the special economic zone," the agreement says. It goes on to say the deal covers "any other industry that is suitable for development, including oil and gas development". China Sam said in a statement issued Thursday that it was committed to cooperating with the Solomons in a number of areas, including trade, infrastructure, fisheries and tourism. Jonathan Pryke, director of Sydney-based foreign policy think tank the Lowy Institute's Pacific programme, said it was not unusual for China to promise such special economic zones to developing nations that were desperate for investment. "The fear is that these zones can in turn create enclaves of Chinese operations that could then grow over time into some kind of permanent strategic facility," he told AFP. "The island in question in Solomon Islands has deep water anchorage so could have such strategic uses down the road." Taiwan was previously the Solomons' largest ally in the Pacific region and the decision to ditch it for China after months of speculation was seen as a major diplomatic coup for Beijing. Days later another Taipei loyalist in the region, Kiribati, did likewise. The manoeuvring left Taiwan with just four nations that officially recognise it in the Pacific and 15 worldwide, while also alarming traditional western democratic powers. The Pacific has long been a proxy battleground for Taiwan and China, with local leaders adept at playing one against the other for financial gain. China has become more assertive in the Pacific as its economic might has grown and sees Taiwan as a renegade state which will eventually be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Other regional heavyweights, particularly Australia, fear Beijing's ultimate aim is to set up a naval base in the Pacific which would dramatically increase its military footprint in the area. Such a move would potentially negate the geographic remoteness that provides Australia and New Zealand with a valuable defence buffer. However, China Sam's arrangement with Central Province may count for little as it has not been approved by the central government in Honiara. Central's Premier Stanley Manetiva played down its impacts in an interview with Radio New Zealand. "To be honest here, leasing Tulagi will not be possible," he said. "Nothing will eventuate on the agreement." Whether or not the deal goes ahead, the Lowy Institute's Pryke said the diplomatic upheavals between China and Taiwan were affecting good governance in the region. "Corruption by its very nature is hard to quantify and systems of patronage were alive and well in the Pacific long before this new wave of Chinese engagement," he said. "But this new Chinese engagement is certainly happening in a hurry, and it is most definitely making corruption in the Pacific worse."

China signs deal to 'lease' Pacific island in Solomons

Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and&nbsp;signed several agreements in the first official visit since the two countries established&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;relations last month.

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;relationship is a&nbsp;sign&nbsp;of&nbsp;China's growing influence in the Pacific and a setback for self-ruled, democratic Taiwan. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-has-switched-relations-to-china-our-diplomatic-relations-terminated-taiwan-249995">The&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;severed&nbsp;ties&nbsp;with Taiwan when it established them with Beijing.</a>

"I am pleased to recognize the one-China&nbsp;policy ... We are pleased to be on the right side of history and normalise relations with the People's Republic of&nbsp;China," Sogavare said ahead of a meeting with Li and a Chinese delegation.

China&nbsp;has in recent years been expanding its influence in the Pacific to the alarm of the United States and its main regional ally, Australia.

China&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;signed an agreement to work together on President Xi Jinping's flagship foreign policy initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as others on economic and education strategies.

After the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;recognised Beijing, US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence declined a request from the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;leader to meet to discuss cooperation.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing Wen said last month the end of its&nbsp;diplomatic&nbsp;relations with the&nbsp;Solomon&nbsp;Islands&nbsp;was further evidence of Chinese efforts to meddle in Taiwan's January elections.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and signed several agreements in the first official visit since the two countries established diplomatic relations last month.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Wednesday and signed several agreements in the first official visit since the two countries established diplomatic relations last month. The new diplomatic relationship is a sign of China's growing influence in the Pacific and a setback for self-ruled, democratic Taiwan. The Solomon Islands severed ties with Taiwan when it established them with Beijing. "I am pleased to recognize the one-China policy ... We are pleased to be on the right side of history and normalise relations with the People's Republic of China," Sogavare said ahead of a meeting with Li and a Chinese delegation. China has in recent years been expanding its influence in the Pacific to the alarm of the United States and its main regional ally, Australia. China and the Solomon Islands signed an agreement to work together on President Xi Jinping's flagship foreign policy initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as others on economic and education strategies. After the Solomon Islands recognised Beijing, US Vice President Mike Pence declined a request from the Solomon Islands leader to meet to discuss cooperation. Taiwan President Tsai Ing Wen said last month the end of its diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands was further evidence of Chinese efforts to meddle in Taiwan's January elections.

China, Solomon Islands sign deals under new diplomatic ties

US Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled plans to meet with the leader of the Solomon Islands to discuss development partnerships after the Pacific island cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China this week, a senior US official said on Tuesday.

The Solomon Islands was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-has-switched-relations-to-china-our-diplomatic-relations-terminated-taiwan-249995">sixth country to switch allegiance to China</a> since 2016.

Self-ruled Taiwan has accused China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, of trying to meddle in its upcoming elections.

Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had asked Pence in July for a meeting, the senior administration official told Reuters, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The meeting was to have taken place this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, or afterwards in Washington.

"But the decision by the Solomon Islands to change its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China has consequences. They're hurting a historically strong relationship by doing this," the official said.

"It's a setback, and it's prioritizing short-term gain with China over long-term commitment with the US," the official said.

The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy, officially recognizing Beijing and not Taipei, while assisting Taiwan.

Washington and Beijing are embroiled in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-war-to-knock-05-points-off-global-growth-french-finance-minister-247859">trade war</a>, slapping tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods.

The United States is also pushing to restrict Chinese state-owned telecom companies over concerns about espionage, allegations rejected by China.

President Donald Trump's administration is also considering confronting China over its detention of some 1 million Muslims in remote Xinjiang province at next week's UN meeting.

Pence has criticized China for what he calls "debt-trap" lending practices to small countries, pushing them into debt and compromising their sovereignty. China denies those charges.

"Countries that establish closer ties to China primarily out of the hope or expectation that such a step will stimulate economic growth and infrastructure development often find themselves worse off in the long run," the US official told Reuters.

After the Solomon Islands decision, Taiwan has formal relations with only 16 countries, many of them small, less-developed nations in Central America and the Pacific.

The Solomons, a former British protectorate that is home to about 600,000 people, had been the largest of the Taiwan-aligned Pacific countries, with access to airfields and deepwater ports dating back to World War Two.

After his July phone call with Pence, Sogavare sent him a letter, saying he was "favourably disposed of" to ask his Cabinet to defer a decision on its Taiwan ties until later in the year.

Sogavare emphasized that he needed help from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Taiwan to develop infrastructure, a critical domestic issue for his government - according to a copy of the letter reviewed by Reuters.

"It is the one agenda that has the potential to split the cabinet and could potentially cause the government to fall," Sogavare said in the letter.

Beijing said on Tuesday that the Solomon Islands would have unprecedented development opportunities after cutting ties with Taiwan.

China had offered $8.5 million in development funds to the Solomons ahead of its decision.

US Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled plans to meet with the leader of the Solomon Islands to discuss development partnerships after the Pacific island cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China this week, a senior US official said on Tuesday.

US Vice President Mike Pence has cancelled plans to meet with the leader of the Solomon Islands to discuss development partnerships after the Pacific island cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China this week, a senior US official said on Tuesday. The Solomon Islands was the sixth country to switch allegiance to China since 2016. Self-ruled Taiwan has accused China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, of trying to meddle in its upcoming elections. Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had asked Pence in July for a meeting, the senior administration official told Reuters, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The meeting was to have taken place this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, or afterwards in Washington. "But the decision by the Solomon Islands to change its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China has consequences. They're hurting a historically strong relationship by doing this," the official said. "It's a setback, and it's prioritizing short-term gain with China over long-term commitment with the US," the official said. The United States, which has a fraught relationship with China over trade, defence and technology issues, upholds what is known as the "one-China" policy, officially recognizing Beijing and not Taipei, while assisting Taiwan. Washington and Beijing are embroiled in a trade war, slapping tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods. The United States is also pushing to restrict Chinese state-owned telecom companies over concerns about espionage, allegations rejected by China. President Donald Trump's administration is also considering confronting China over its detention of some 1 million Muslims in remote Xinjiang province at next week's UN meeting. Pence has criticized China for what he calls "debt-trap" lending practices to small countries, pushing them into debt and compromising their sovereignty. China denies those charges. "Countries that establish closer ties to China primarily out of the hope or expectation that such a step will stimulate economic growth and infrastructure development often find themselves worse off in the long run," the US official told Reuters. After the Solomon Islands decision, Taiwan has formal relations with only 16 countries, many of them small, less-developed nations in Central America and the Pacific. The Solomons, a former British protectorate that is home to about 600,000 people, had been the largest of the Taiwan-aligned Pacific countries, with access to airfields and deepwater ports dating back to World War Two. After his July phone call with Pence, Sogavare sent him a letter, saying he was "favourably disposed of" to ask his Cabinet to defer a decision on its Taiwan ties until later in the year. Sogavare emphasized that he needed help from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Taiwan to develop infrastructure, a critical domestic issue for his government - according to a copy of the letter reviewed by Reuters. "It is the one agenda that has the potential to split the cabinet and could potentially cause the government to fall," Sogavare said in the letter. Beijing said on Tuesday that the Solomon Islands would have unprecedented development opportunities after cutting ties with Taiwan. China had offered $8.5 million in development funds to the Solomons ahead of its decision.

Pence rebuffs Solomon Islands PM after nation cuts ties with Taiwan

Taiwan on Monday severed ties with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-leader-meets-solomons-envoy-to-shore-up-ties-over-china-248580">Solomon Islands</a> after learning the Pacific nation had decided to switch diplomatic recognition to China, a decision it described as "extremely regrettable".

"The cabinet of the Solomon Islands government decided to switch diplomatic relations to the People's Republic of China," foreign minister Joseph Wu announced at a press conference in Taipei on Monday.

"The government hereby declares the termination of diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands with immediate effect," he added.

The move is yet another diplomatic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-approves-sale-of-66-f-16-fighters-to-taiwan-244591">blow for Taiwan</a> which has seen its few remaining allies steadily whittled down by Beijing.

Only 16 nations still diplomatically recognise the island over Beijing.&nbsp;

Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949, but China still views the island as its territory and has vowed to seize it -&nbsp;by force if necessary.

Over the decades, as China's economic and military power has grown, dozens of countries, including the United States and most Western nations, have switched recognition to Beijing.

In the last few years only a handful of countries have remained loyal to Taiwan, largely in Latin America and the Pacific.

But Beijing stepped up its campaign to diplomatically isolate Taiwan after the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen, who hails from a party that refused to recognise the idea that the island is part of "one China".

Since her election, six of Taiwan's allies have now defected.

Taiwan on Monday severed ties with the Solomon Islands after learning the Pacific nation had decided to switch diplomatic recognition to China, a decision it described as "extremely regrettable".

Taiwan on Monday severed ties with the Solomon Islands after learning the Pacific nation had decided to switch diplomatic recognition to China, a decision it described as "extremely regrettable". "The cabinet of the Solomon Islands government decided to switch diplomatic relations to the People's Republic of China," foreign minister Joseph Wu announced at a press conference in Taipei on Monday. "The government hereby declares the termination of diplomatic relations with the Solomon Islands with immediate effect," he added. The move is yet another diplomatic blow for Taiwan which has seen its few remaining allies steadily whittled down by Beijing. Only 16 nations still diplomatically recognise the island over Beijing. Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949, but China still views the island as its territory and has vowed to seize it - by force if necessary. Over the decades, as China's economic and military power has grown, dozens of countries, including the United States and most Western nations, have switched recognition to Beijing. In the last few years only a handful of countries have remained loyal to Taiwan, largely in Latin America and the Pacific. But Beijing stepped up its campaign to diplomatically isolate Taiwan after the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen, who hails from a party that refused to recognise the idea that the island is part of "one China". Since her election, six of Taiwan's allies have now defected.

Solomon Islands has switched relations to China, our diplomatic relations terminated: Taiwan

Taiwan's president on Monday urged the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomons-say-no-decision-yet-in-taiwan-china-debate-247995"> Solomon</a> Islands not to switch diplomatic allegiance to China, as the Pacific nation deliberates whether to recognize the far more economically powerful Beijing instead.

The Solomons are among only 17 countries that maintain official ties with Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has vowed to review the relationship.

Beijing has poached five diplomatic allies from Taipei since the 2016 election of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen part of a wider campaign to isolate the island because her party refuses to accept that Taiwan is part of "one China".

Taiwan is desperate to stave off losing another diplomatically.

Last week the government warned that Chinese financial incentives had rendered other Pacific nations "in debt traps" with "flashy and false promises" of building infrastructure.

On Monday Tsai told the visiting Solomons Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele that Taiwan is a responsible partner in the international community.

She called for the Solomons' "continuous support" and said Taiwan would work with the country to "further enhance bilateral relations".

Less than half the Solomon Islands' population has access to electricity and it is heavily reliant on foreign aid.

The debate offers a chance to weigh up promises of aid from Taipei and Beijing, as lawmakers and others in the Solomons push for a switch to China, the world's second-biggest economy.

Taiwan has been run as a de facto independent nation for the last seven decades but Beijing sees as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

The Solomons' parliamentary foreign relations committee is accepting submissions on the Taiwan-China issue until the end of this month and has an October 31 deadline to report to the legislature.

Nations such as Australia and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-penalises-shipping-firms-said-to-help-north-korea-circumvent-un-sanctions-246716">United States</a> fear Beijing's interest is fuelled by a long-term goal to establish a military base in the islands, offering control of vast swathes of ocean.

Taiwan's president on Monday urged the Solomon Islands not to switch diplomatic allegiance to China, as the Pacific nation deliberates whether to recognize the far more economically powerful Beijing instead.

Taiwan's president on Monday urged the Solomon Islands not to switch diplomatic allegiance to China, as the Pacific nation deliberates whether to recognize the far more economically powerful Beijing instead. The Solomons are among only 17 countries that maintain official ties with Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has vowed to review the relationship. Beijing has poached five diplomatic allies from Taipei since the 2016 election of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen part of a wider campaign to isolate the island because her party refuses to accept that Taiwan is part of "one China". Taiwan is desperate to stave off losing another diplomatically. Last week the government warned that Chinese financial incentives had rendered other Pacific nations "in debt traps" with "flashy and false promises" of building infrastructure. On Monday Tsai told the visiting Solomons Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele that Taiwan is a responsible partner in the international community. She called for the Solomons' "continuous support" and said Taiwan would work with the country to "further enhance bilateral relations". Less than half the Solomon Islands' population has access to electricity and it is heavily reliant on foreign aid. The debate offers a chance to weigh up promises of aid from Taipei and Beijing, as lawmakers and others in the Solomons push for a switch to China, the world's second-biggest economy. Taiwan has been run as a de facto independent nation for the last seven decades but Beijing sees as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. The Solomons' parliamentary foreign relations committee is accepting submissions on the Taiwan-China issue until the end of this month and has an October 31 deadline to report to the legislature. Nations such as Australia and the United States fear Beijing's interest is fuelled by a long-term goal to establish a military base in the islands, offering control of vast swathes of ocean.

Taiwan leader meets Solomons envoy to shore up ties over China

The Solomon Islands said Friday that no decision had yet been made on switching the Pacific island nation's diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China.

The Solomons are among only 17 nations to recognise Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare vowed to review the relationship after he was elected in April.

A switch would reduce the number of nations backing Taiwan which Beijing regards as a renegade province as well as boosting China's influence among the strategically important Pacific isles.

For the Solomons, where less than half the population has access to electricity, the debate offers a chance to weigh up promises of aid from Taipei and Beijing.

Government frontbencher Peter Shanel Agovaka, who led a recent ministerial delegation to Beijing to discuss the issue, told a parliamentary committee this week that his preference was to recognise China.

"We cannot sit for the next 40 years with our friends Taiwan, it is time that we make new friends," he said, arguing links with China would help boost the Pacific nation's economy.

The Solomon Islands' foreign affairs department said no decision had been made and the issue would not be finalised until the cabinet had reviewed a task force report.

"As far as can be determined, the Office of Prime Minister has not announced when it is likely to decide on whether or not the government agrees to switch diplomatic ties to China or remain with Taiwan," the department said in a statement issued to media in Taiwan on Friday.

The Solomons parliament's foreign relations committee is accepting submissions on the Taiwan-China issue until the end of this month and has an October 31 deadline to report to the legislature.

Nations such as Australia and the United States fear Beijing's interest is fuelled by a long-term goal to establish a military base in the islands, offering control of vast swathes of the Pacific Ocean.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper last month accused China of destabilising the region using such tactics, citing "predatory economics and debt-for-sovereignty deals".

However, China's ambassador to Samoa Chao Xiaoliang has labelled critics "ignorant" and "prejudiced", saying Beijing's main interest is forming partnerships to help Pacific nations.

The Solomon Islands said Friday that no decision had yet been made on switching the Pacific island nation's diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China. The Solomons are among only 17 nations to recognise Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare vowed to review the relationship after he was elected in April.

The Solomon Islands said Friday that no decision had yet been made on switching the Pacific island nation's diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China. The Solomons are among only 17 nations to recognise Taiwan, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare vowed to review the relationship after he was elected in April. A switch would reduce the number of nations backing Taiwan which Beijing regards as a renegade province as well as boosting China's influence among the strategically important Pacific isles. For the Solomons, where less than half the population has access to electricity, the debate offers a chance to weigh up promises of aid from Taipei and Beijing. Government frontbencher Peter Shanel Agovaka, who led a recent ministerial delegation to Beijing to discuss the issue, told a parliamentary committee this week that his preference was to recognise China. "We cannot sit for the next 40 years with our friends Taiwan, it is time that we make new friends," he said, arguing links with China would help boost the Pacific nation's economy. The Solomon Islands' foreign affairs department said no decision had been made and the issue would not be finalised until the cabinet had reviewed a task force report. "As far as can be determined, the Office of Prime Minister has not announced when it is likely to decide on whether or not the government agrees to switch diplomatic ties to China or remain with Taiwan," the department said in a statement issued to media in Taiwan on Friday. The Solomons parliament's foreign relations committee is accepting submissions on the Taiwan-China issue until the end of this month and has an October 31 deadline to report to the legislature. Nations such as Australia and the United States fear Beijing's interest is fuelled by a long-term goal to establish a military base in the islands, offering control of vast swathes of the Pacific Ocean. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper last month accused China of destabilising the region using such tactics, citing "predatory economics and debt-for-sovereignty deals". However, China's ambassador to Samoa Chao Xiaoliang has labelled critics "ignorant" and "prejudiced", saying Beijing's main interest is forming partnerships to help Pacific nations.

Solomons say no decision yet in Taiwan-China debate

Australia expressed alarm Friday at the slow response from firms linked to a grounded cargo ship that has for weeks been leaking oil into a World Heritage-listed coral atoll in the Solomon Islands.

MV Solomon Trader ran aground during high winds on February 5 while loading bauxite at remote Rennell Island.

More than a month later, the 225-meter (740-foot) ship is still stuck on the reef and has leaked more than 70 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the sea, with another 600 tonnes still on the stricken vessel.

"We needed much speedier action in response to what is potentially a very significant natural disaster," Australia's minister for international development and the Pacific, Anne Ruston, told AFP Friday.

"We would have liked to have seen that the operator and their necessary insurers were a little bit quicker to respond to what was happening, instead of leaving it up to Australia and the Solomon Islands to respond."

The ship's insurer, Korean Protection and Indemnity Club (KP&amp;I), issued an apology late Wednesday on behalf of itself and the vessel's Hong Kong-based owner, King Trader Ltd.

Addressing delays in responding to the disaster, KP&amp;I said a tug initially tried to manoeuvre the ship off the reef but poor weather intervened and pushed it further onshore.

Rennell Island is the largest raised coral atoll in the world and includes a UNESCO World Heritage site which extends kilometers out to sea.

The Islanders rely on waters in the ecologically delicate region for their livelihoods.

Experts and specialized equipment are now on site from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, the United States, Singapore, and Europe.

They are cleaning up the shore and removing the remaining oil from the ship, while divers were to inspect the hull and seal any leaks.

The Australian government has sent salvage experts to assist the response and vowed to help the Solomons make sure those responsible for the spill are held to account.

Australia expressed alarm Friday at the slow response from firms linked to a grounded cargo ship that has for weeks been leaking oil into a World Heritage-listed coral atoll in the Solomon Islands.

Australia expressed alarm Friday at the slow response from firms linked to a grounded cargo ship that has for weeks been leaking oil into a World Heritage-listed coral atoll in the Solomon Islands. MV Solomon Trader ran aground during high winds on February 5 while loading bauxite at remote Rennell Island. More than a month later, the 225-meter (740-foot) ship is still stuck on the reef and has leaked more than 70 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the sea, with another 600 tonnes still on the stricken vessel. "We needed much speedier action in response to what is potentially a very significant natural disaster," Australia's minister for international development and the Pacific, Anne Ruston, told AFP Friday. "We would have liked to have seen that the operator and their necessary insurers were a little bit quicker to respond to what was happening, instead of leaving it up to Australia and the Solomon Islands to respond." The ship's insurer, Korean Protection and Indemnity Club (KP&I), issued an apology late Wednesday on behalf of itself and the vessel's Hong Kong-based owner, King Trader Ltd. Addressing delays in responding to the disaster, KP&I said a tug initially tried to manoeuvre the ship off the reef but poor weather intervened and pushed it further onshore. Rennell Island is the largest raised coral atoll in the world and includes a UNESCO World Heritage site which extends kilometers out to sea. The Islanders rely on waters in the ecologically delicate region for their livelihoods. Experts and specialized equipment are now on site from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, the United States, Singapore, and Europe. They are cleaning up the shore and removing the remaining oil from the ship, while divers were to inspect the hull and seal any leaks. The Australian government has sent salvage experts to assist the response and vowed to help the Solomons make sure those responsible for the spill are held to account.

Australia blames firms for slow response to Solomons oil spill

A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Saturday off the Solomon Islands, one day after a major quake rattled the island, Reuters reported.

The second earthquake has raised &nbsp;the threat of hazardous tsunami waves, officials said.

However, the police said that there has been no damage and people were safe, Reuters said.&nbsp;

The first quake hit the islands at 90 kilometres (55 miles) west of Kirakira, a provincial capital in the Solomons, at a depth of 10 kilometres, the US Geological Survey said.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre initially denied a Tsunami threat, but later warned of waves up to 0.3 metres along the coasts of Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

However, there were no reports of serious damage, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Donald Tehimae, the duty officer at the Kirakira police station, said there was no immediate sign the fresh tremor had any serious impact.

&quot;Everything is okay,&quot; he said.

&quot;Yesterday, everyone evacuated to the highlands but after the cancellation of the tsunami warning we all came back. This time we all stayed here,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)<button aria-label="Collapse messages" role="button" title="Collapse messages" type="button"></button>

&nbsp;

The police, however, said that there were no reports of fresh damage and people did not flee their homes like they did the previous day

A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Saturday off the Solomon Islands, one day after a major quake rattled the island, Reuters reported. The second earthquake has raised the threat of hazardous tsunami waves, officials said. However, the police said that there has been no damage and people were safe, Reuters said. The first quake hit the islands at 90 kilometres (55 miles) west of Kirakira, a provincial capital in the Solomons, at a depth of 10 kilometres, the US Geological Survey said. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre initially denied a Tsunami threat, but later warned of waves up to 0.3 metres along the coasts of Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. However, there were no reports of serious damage, AFP reported. Donald Tehimae, the duty officer at the Kirakira police station, said there was no immediate sign the fresh tremor had any serious impact. "Everything is okay," he said. "Yesterday, everyone evacuated to the highlands but after the cancellation of the tsunami warning we all came back. This time we all stayed here," he added. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Solomon islands shaken by second earthquake in two days

A massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 hit off the Solomon Islands on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said. There were no initial reports of casualties.

It struck at 4:38 am (1738 GMT Thursday) at a depth of 49 km (30 miles), the USGS said.

An initial tsunami warning in the region has been lifted.

The earthquake was at first&nbsp;reported to be of magnitude 8.0.

&quot;Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within the next three hours along some coasts of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, New Caledonia, Tuvalu and Kosrae,&quot; the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre had said earlier,

A tsunami warning for Hawaii was also lifted.

Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office director Loti Yates told Reuters he had received reports of collapsed buildings in villages in Makira, the island closest to the epicentre of the massive undersea quake.

Around 50,000 people are reported to be living in the Makira Province

&quot;Villages that we have made contact with have evacuated, actually most of the communities that we have spoken with had already evacuated,&quot; Yates told Reuters. &quot;They called us from the hills, which is good.&quot;

Yates said he had not received any reports of deaths.&nbsp;

John Pirimare, a resident on Nafinua Island, spoke to Reuters from up the hills where he evacuated immediately after the quake with around 500 to 600 villagers after they received the tsunami warning on their phones.

&quot;It was a great shock but no serious damage,&quot; Pirimare said. &quot;Most of the people went straight here; and we won&#39;t leave until the tsunami threat has passed.&quot;

Yates told Reuters that the authorities in the Solomons would start to assess the damage as morning dawned.

Australia said there was no risk to its coastlines. New Zealand cancelled a marine and beach threat warning.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

The were no initial reports of casualties but authorities say collapsed buildings have been reported from villages in Makira province

A massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 hit off the Solomon Islands on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said. There were no initial reports of casualties. It struck at 4:38 am (1738 GMT Thursday) at a depth of 49 km (30 miles), the USGS said. An initial tsunami warning in the region has been lifted. The earthquake was at first reported to be of magnitude 8.0. "Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within the next three hours along some coasts of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, New Caledonia, Tuvalu and Kosrae," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre had said earlier, A tsunami warning for Hawaii was also lifted. Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office director Loti Yates told Reuters he had received reports of collapsed buildings in villages in Makira, the island closest to the epicentre of the massive undersea quake. Around 50,000 people are reported to be living in the Makira Province "Villages that we have made contact with have evacuated, actually most of the communities that we have spoken with had already evacuated," Yates told Reuters. "They called us from the hills, which is good." Yates said he had not received any reports of deaths. John Pirimare, a resident on Nafinua Island, spoke to Reuters from up the hills where he evacuated immediately after the quake with around 500 to 600 villagers after they received the tsunami warning on their phones. "It was a great shock but no serious damage," Pirimare said. "Most of the people went straight here; and we won't leave until the tsunami threat has passed." Yates told Reuters that the authorities in the Solomons would start to assess the damage as morning dawned. Australia said there was no risk to its coastlines. New Zealand cancelled a marine and beach threat warning. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Tsunami warning lifted after massive 7.7 earthquake hits Solomon Islands

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