Authorities signed security pact with Beijing, which provoked concern among U.S. and its allies over potential future Chinese military presence on islands. After leaked draft surfaced in March of security pact between govt and China, which reportedly included provision on establishing permanent Chinese military base on islands, govt 1 April announced that it “is conscious of the security ramification of hosting a military base, and it will not be careless to allow such initiative to take place under its watch”. News of pact triggered international concern among U.S. and its allies. U.S. Deputy Sec of State Wendy Sherman 12 April held call with FM Jeremiah Manele about reopening U.S. embassy in capital Honiara after 29 years. Australian envoy next day visited Honiara and met PM Manasseh Sogavare, requesting govt “respectfully to consider not signing the agreement” with Beijing. Sogavare 20 April confirmed deal had been signed with China. U.S. National Security Council Indo-Pacific Coordinator Kurt Campbell and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink 22 April visited Honiara and met Sogavare; statement following meeting said U.S. would have “significant concerns and respond accordingly” if “steps are taken to establish a de facto permanent military presence, power-projection capabilities, or a military installation”. Australian PM Scott Morrison 24 April described Chinese military base as “red line” for Australia. Japanese Vice FM Kentaro Uesugi 26 April met Sogavare, reportedly expressing Japan’s concern over security pact.

Anti-govt protest in capital Honiara degenerated into days of violent unrest, killing at least three people. Demonstrators from Malita island 24 Nov gathered outside parliament in Honiara, Guadalcanal province, to protest numerous issues, reportedly including self-determination, development and opposition to country’s 2019 decision to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of China; protests same day turned violent and led to three days of unrest as hundreds of demonstrators looted and burnt dozens of buildings, notably in capital’s “Chinatown” area; attempts were also made to storm parliament and PM Sogavara’s private residence. Sogavara 24 Nov imposed curfew and called for Australian assistance; around 100 Australian police and military personnel and around 50 officers from Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary 26-27 Nov arrived to support local police in quelling unrest, which led to at least 100 arrests; police 26 Nov reported finding three dead bodies amid charred rubble. Fiji PM Bainimarama 29 Nov said his country would deploy 50 soldiers “to help maintain peace and security”. Sogavara 28 Nov blamed foreign powers and “certain elements” for unrest, saying events were “well planned and orchestrated to remove me as the prime minister”.

Riots broke out in capital Honiara 24 April after parliament appointed three-time PM Manasseh Sogavare, previously removed from office in 2017 no-confidence vote, for another term as PM following elections 3 April. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters and reportedly detained some 50 people, many in connection with looting and destruction of property.

PM Sogavare escaped no-confidence vote over controversial nomination of Julian Moti as attorney general after opposition MPs withdrew motion. Moti is wanted in Australia on child rape charges.

New police commissioner Jahir Khan revived plans to rearm police, beginning with protection forces for PM Sogavare. Australian-led assistance mission RAMSI reiterated its disapproval.

Government defeated opposition motion to scrap PM Sogavare’s controversial initiative to rearm local police.

SI police commissioner, Australian citizen Shane Castles, declared persona non grata late December; government said it will seek non-Australian replacement. PM Sogavare accused Canberra of bullying in its move to block rearming of Solomons’ police force and signalled further intention to reduce role of Australian-led RAMSI assistance mission.

Spat continued between Canberra and Honiara as PM Sogavare pledged to review legal immunity granted to RAMSI peacekeeping force, alleging troop involvement in illegal prostitution. Australia rejected allegations.

PM Sogavare ordered expulsion of Australian High Commissioner citing “heavy-handed” interference” by Canberra in domestic affairs, claimed Australian-led security force had failed and country risks further ethnic clashes. Australian FM Downer responded by threatening to withdraw visa privileges for Solomon politicians.

PM Sogavare announced intention to dismiss attorney-general in dispute over inquiry commission’s power to investigate 2 jailed MPs’ involvement in April unrest. Sogavare visited Taiwan reaffirming diplomatic relations and support for Taiwanese UN membership.