China will offer a batch of police anti-riot equipment and send an ad-hoc police advisory group to the Solomon Islands at the latter’s request, said China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the supplies and personnel will arrive soon and play a constructive role in enhancing local police’s capability, given the severe anti-government turmoil in Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands in late November.
“Strongly opposing any illegal or violent acts, China stands firmly in support of the government of the Solomon Islands to sustain domestic stability, in safeguarding -bilateral relations and in protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese people there,” noted Zhao.
The turmoil started on November 24 in the center of the capital city and soon impacted Chinatown and the Chinese community in the city.
The Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands strongly condemned the violence against the stranded overseas Chinese, urging them to stay on high alert to the local situation, strengthen security precautions and avoid risks and danger.
Chinese merchants and shops suffered severe economic losses and hundreds of Chinese nationals became homeless due to the severe social riots in the capital.
This photo shows aftermath of a looted street in Honiara’s Chinatown, Solomon Islands, on November 28, 2021. Photo: VCG
