Riots over Solomon Islands' diplomatic switch from Taiwan to China prompted regional military deployments and a failed no-confidence vote against PM Sogavare.
Key Facts
- Duration
- 24–27 November 2021
- Primary target
- Chinese businesses in Honiara's Chinatown
- Australian response
- Deployed Australian Federal Police and Defence Force
- Regional support
- Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and New Zealand sent peacekeepers/police
- No-confidence vote
- Defeated in parliament on 6 December 2021
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Tensions stemming from the Solomon Islands government's 2019 decision to shift diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China fueled popular discontent, particularly among residents of Malaita province who opposed the switch and accused the Sogavare government of acting against the population's wishes.
From 24 to 27 November 2021, protests in Honiara turned violent as demonstrators attempted to storm parliament and depose Prime Minister Sogavare. Crowds looted and burned Chinese-owned businesses in Chinatown, set a police station alight, and clashed with police who deployed tear gas to disperse them.
Australia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and New Zealand deployed police and military personnel to restore order. Sogavare blamed Taiwanese agents for inciting the unrest, refused to resign, and survived a parliamentary vote of no-confidence on 6 December 2021, remaining in office.
Political Outcome
Prime Minister Sogavare survived the unrest and defeated a vote of no-confidence on 6 December 2021, retaining power.