Titanium100
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‘Seriously concerned’: China’s warning over Solomon Islands protests as Australian troops deployed
Australian troops and federal police have been deployed to the Solomon Islands amid violent protests that have rocked the Pacific island country.
There has been rioting and damage to property as angry demonstrators call for the resignation of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare over his recent strengthening of ties with China.
Chinese officials say they’re “seriously concerned” about attacks on some Chinese citizens and institutions and warned any attempt to interfere with its relationship with the Solomon Islands government is “useless”.
An initial group of 23 Australian Federal Police were deployed on Thursday afternoon, with a further 50 officers due to leave on Friday.
They join 43 Australian Defence Force personnel who have been sent to Honiara from Townsville.
China urges stability
Chinese officials have asked the government of the Solomon Islands to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China supports the government efforts to stop the riots that began on Wednesday, urging the authorities there to take “necessary measures to guarantee the safety of citizens”.
The spokesman said the government has conveyed its “concern about the attacks” to the local government, expressing his confidence that the administration “will restore order and stability quickly”.
Zhao said the ties between China and the Solomon Islands had developed well in the last two years.
The spokesman mentioned the progress between the two countries in “economy, trade, infrastructure and education”.
“Any attempt to disrupt the normal development of China’s relations with another country is useless,” he warned.
In September 2019, the Solomon Islands cut its official ties with Taiwan after maintaining relations with Taipei for 36 years.
Sogavare’s government began diplomatic ties with China in September 2019.
Taiwan maintains its diplomatic ties with 15 countries only.
Several of its allies have severed ties in favour of China in recent years.
7news.com.au
Australian troops and federal police have been deployed to the Solomon Islands amid violent protests that have rocked the Pacific island country.
There has been rioting and damage to property as angry demonstrators call for the resignation of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare over his recent strengthening of ties with China.
Chinese officials say they’re “seriously concerned” about attacks on some Chinese citizens and institutions and warned any attempt to interfere with its relationship with the Solomon Islands government is “useless”.
An initial group of 23 Australian Federal Police were deployed on Thursday afternoon, with a further 50 officers due to leave on Friday.
They join 43 Australian Defence Force personnel who have been sent to Honiara from Townsville.
China urges stability
Chinese officials have asked the government of the Solomon Islands to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China supports the government efforts to stop the riots that began on Wednesday, urging the authorities there to take “necessary measures to guarantee the safety of citizens”.
The spokesman said the government has conveyed its “concern about the attacks” to the local government, expressing his confidence that the administration “will restore order and stability quickly”.
Zhao said the ties between China and the Solomon Islands had developed well in the last two years.
The spokesman mentioned the progress between the two countries in “economy, trade, infrastructure and education”.
“Any attempt to disrupt the normal development of China’s relations with another country is useless,” he warned.
In September 2019, the Solomon Islands cut its official ties with Taiwan after maintaining relations with Taipei for 36 years.
Sogavare’s government began diplomatic ties with China in September 2019.
Taiwan maintains its diplomatic ties with 15 countries only.
Several of its allies have severed ties in favour of China in recent years.
‘Seriously concerned’: China’s warning over Solomon Islands riots as Australian troops deployed
The Morrison government is sending police, troops and diplomats to help quell violence targeted at Chinese businesses.
7news.com.au
