2021 Solomon Islands unrest
The 2021 Solomon Islands unrest was a series of demonstrations and violent riots in Solomon Islands from 24 to 27 November 2021. It started off as a peaceful protest against the government's decision to recognize the People's Republic of China over Taiwan. However, it turned violent as protesters attempted to storm the parliament to depose Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Many businesses, especially Chinese businesses located in Honiara's Chinatown, were targeted by protestors, and were burned and looted. A police station was set on fire. The government responded by deploying the police in which they used tear gas on the protesters. They also requested the Australian Government for support. As a result, Australia deployed the Australian Federal Police and Defence Force. Papua New Guinea and Fiji dispatched peacekeepers while New Zealand deployed police and troops. Following the unrest, Prime Minister Sogavare said the "innocent people of Malaita have been lied to by these agents of Taiwan" and described the riots as an "attempted illegal coup". Sogavare resisted calls to resign, and defeated a vote of no-confidence in the parliament on 6 December 2021.
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