China says police mission to Solomon Islands is a ‘highlight’ of relations between the two countries

A team of advisers has started work on the Pacific island nation following riots in the capital last year

The team will also help protect Chinese citizens after businesses were targeted by anti-government protesters

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A looted street in Honaria, the Solomon Islands capital, after last year’s riots. Photo: AP

Published: 12:00pm, 27 Feb 2022Updated: 5:02pm, 27 Feb 2022

China has pledged to step up cooperation over policing with the Solomon Islands after a team of Chinese advisers began work in the Pacific island nation following serious unrest late last year.

Last December Beijing announced it would send advisers and equipment for riot police following anti-government protests in which Chinese businesses were targeted and hundreds of people left homeless.

A Solomon Islands policeman stands outside locked business in Chinatown last November following riots in the capital. Photo: AP

Li Ming, the Chinese ambassador, met the advisers on February 18 and said their role would “become a new highlight in the development of relations between China and the Solomon Islands”.

The embassy would work with the team to train and support the local police and deepen the relationship between the two forces, Li added.

Zhang Guangbao, the leader of the police advisers, said his group would help local officers improve their emergency response levels, help investigate China-related cases and provide safety training for Chinese citizens in the country.

The embassy recently warned its citizens in the country to stay alert after a Chinese store was looted in the capital Honiara.