The Solomon Islands is a sovereign country consisting of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands in Oceania.
Sogaware angered many in 2019, especially the leaders of Malaita, the most densely populated province of the Solomon Islands, when he severed the country’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Defense Minister Peter Dutton said a plane carrying Australian police and diplomats arrived in Honiara on Thursday, where they will assist local police in their efforts to restore order after violent anti-government protests for a second day.
Sogarve said he stood by his government’s decision to establish diplomatic ties with China and described it as “the only issue” of violence. He said, “I am not going to bow down to anyone. We stand by our word, the government is also work on its word and we will protect democracy.
Critics of Sogarve also blamed complaints of lack of government services and corruption for the unrest.
Australian Foreign Minister Maris Payne did not agree that other countries were responsible for the unrest.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday pledged to send troops, police and diplomats to help local police restore peace and protect vital installations.
Some observers argue that Australia intervened immediately to prevent Chinese security forces from arriving to restore peace, but Morrison said Sogarvey asked for help because he trusted Australia.
Meanwhile, China has expressed serious concern over the recent attacks on some Chinese citizens and institutions.
“We believe that the Solomon Islands government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sogarwe can restore social order and stability as soon as possible,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Thursday.
He said that economic and other cooperation has benefited both sides since the establishment of diplomatic relations.
AP Gola Simmi
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