Is US-China struggle behind Solomon Islands riots – or ‘just icing on the cake’?
- Some say switching diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing has fuelled resentment of Chinese influence. Others say the US is fomenting a colour revolution
- But violence has long dogged the islands. Grievances over corruption, exploitation of natural resources by other countries and Covid-19 have all played a part too
George Seda, a 31-year-old musician living in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, described the last few days on the Pacific island nation as like “walking through hell”.
“There was nothing but fear, hunger, and terror,” Seda said, referring to the riots which broke out last Wednesday after protesters stormed the parliament and set fire to buildings and shops, leading to the deaths of three and the arrests of dozens, according to local media.
Some of the worst violence took place in Chinatown, said the owner of a Chinese liquor and grocery store who asked to be referred to only as “Zhang” as the situation was “still highly unpredictable”.
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Solomon Islands riot sets Chinatown ablaze in capital Honiara as protests turn violent
“I am lucky to have been spared, but many of the Chinese businesses have their goods looted and their shops burnt down, we are still scared and worried,” said Zhang, adding that the situation had quietened over the weekend and authorities had started clearing up the mess.