Beijing Wanted to Send Secret Security Force, Weapons to Solomons During Riots Last Year: Report

This photo shows aftermath of a looted street in Honiara's Chinatown, Solomon Islands, on Nov. 27, 2021. Piringi Charley/AP Photo

Beijing was ready to send heavy weaponry and security personnel to the Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands last December to enhance “safety and security” following violent riots in the capital Honiara, which saw the Chinatown district razed.

The letter from the Chinese diplomatic outpost to the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was prepared to dispatch a range of “light weapons and equipment”, including two machine guns, one sniper rifle, 10 pistols, 10 rifles, and “police equipment” including 10 electric batons.

The PRC was also set to send 10 plainclothes security officers for a period of six to 12 months, according to the documents dated Dec. 3, 2021, which was seen by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (pdf).

“It would be highly appreciated if the government of Solomon Islands could facilitate to grant permission to the entry of the above-mentioned team with necessary light weapons and equipment,” it stated.

An aerial view shows burnt-out buildings in Honiara's Chinatown in the Solomon Islands on Nov. 27, 2021 Jay Liofasi/AFP via Getty Images

The Chinese regime also said the deployment of the team would “not be made public.”

Collin Beck, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sent a follow-up letter to his counterpart at the Ministry of Police, Karen Galokale, saying his ministry was unable to “guarantee the safety of the Embassy and staff” following the riots which saw three people left dead.

“As host country, we had an obligation to protect all embassies, including the Chinese Embassy. In this regard, we have no objection to the request,” Beck’s letter said.

“Sadly, this sets a precedent, but China is a special case noting public debate was and remains direct against China’s interests in the country from certain quarters of our country’s population.”

The Solomon Islands’ government eventually shelved the Chinese Embassy’s appeal.

The national government’s decision to switch ties from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019 has been a contentious issue, with Premier Daniel Suidani from the most populous province of Malaita standing firm on his relationship with Taiwan.

The divide exacerbated existing dissatisfaction with Solomons’ Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare over issues such as cronyism, poor delivery of services and employment opportunities, as well as blatant bribery of pro-Beijing MPs.

It all came to a head in November last year when protests erupted in the capital leaving three people dead. Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea responded by sending police and troops to help restore order—these personnel came under the authority of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

Concerns have mounted in recent weeks over a leaked security agreement, which would allow the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to dispatch forces to “protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in the Solomon Islands.”

Chinese and Solomon Island leaders have denied that the agreement could open the door toward eventual militarization in the region, with Prime Minister Sogavare saying it “would not be in the interest of Solomon Islands to host any naval or military base of any country.”

Documents on April 7, however, appear to show that Beijing has been scouting the region for military projects for years.

The leaked letter of intent contained details of a proposal from the head of Avic International Project Engineering Co., a Beijing-based state-owned aviation company, to Premier Leslie Kikolo of Isabel Province in the Solomon Islands on Sept. 29, 2020.

The letter, seen by news.com.au, was signed by company President Rong Qian and opened with the following paragraph:

“We, AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Company … present this letter to demonstrate our intent to study the opportunity to develop naval and infrastructure projects on leased land for the People’s Liberation Army Navy in Isabel Province with exclusive rights for 75 years.”

A fully realised project could see the People’s Liberation Army extend its reach beyond the South China Sea and into the South Pacific region, where bitter fighting occurred between Japanese and U.S. troops in the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II because of the influence it wields over vital sea lanes.