Melanesia

Solomon Islands PM dismisses alarm over China maritime deal

PM Manasseh Sogavare rejects criticism of the new maritime investment deal with Beijing, saying it's a "normal bilateral development initiative" that is yet to be formalised.

Clan gun battles erupt near PNG goldmine

Three-days of clan fights in the town of Paiam and nearby Porgera of Papua New Guinea have killed at least 17 people.

Solomon Islands: Security pact with China won't undermine regional peace

PM Manasseh Sogavare asks all allies, neighbours and friends to respect the Pacific nation's sovereign interests, saying cooperation with Beijing is not directed at any countries or external alliances.

Solomon Islands clarifies it won't allow China military base amid backlash

China and the Solomon Islands have initialled a draft security agreement, sparking concerns among regional players such as Australia.

China to dispatch police advisors, riot gear to Solomon Islands

Solomons government says it has accepted Beijing's offer of six "liaison officers" to train its police force and equipment including shields, helmets, batons, and other "non-lethal" gear.

New Caledonia: France’s overseas territory votes 'no' to independence

Turnout was only 41.60 percent as pro-independence campaigners boycotted the vote, saying "a fair campaign" is not possible with high Covid-19 infection numbers.

Solomon Islands PM refuses to step down after 'orchestrated' riots

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the "recent events were well planned and orchestrated" to remove him as the premier "for unsubstantiated reasons."

Police arrest dozens amid unrest in Solomon Islands

More than a hundred people were arrested as police found three charred bodies in a store in the Chinatown district.

Explained: Unrest on Solomon Islands

Chronic unemployment and governance are the main triggers of public discontent that have morphed into a massive agitation.

Solomon Islands' capital under curfew after three days of riots

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare claimed foreign powers opposed to his 2019 decision to switch the Solomons' diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China were behind the disturbances.

Solomon Islands leader blames foreign powers for fuelling crisis

PM Manasseh Sogavare says ongoing unrest is being "influenced and encouraged by other powers" over his government's decision to switch alliances from Taiwan to China.

Australia deploys security forces as Solomon Islands unrest grows

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sogavare had declared a lockdown after about 1,000 people gathered in protest in the capital, Honiara, demanding his resignation over a host of domestic issues.