Recently the US Department of State has issued a condemnation of mass unrest acts in the Solomon Islands.

The United States side expressed its deep concern about ongoing clashes between law enforcement representatives and protesters in the Solomon Islands’ capital, Honiara. Participants of these clashes were called on to stop acts of destruction of public and private property and to start constructive dialogue, with the aim of an early settlement of the crisis.

The USA referred to the fact that New Zealand and Fiji supported this approach. Special appreciation was expressed to Australia and Papua New Guinea for assisting local authorities to ensure order and security for key infrastructure. It was particularly emphasized that the Solomon Islands’ Government had to seek help from Canberra and Port Moresby (they sent their police and military units there).

It is notable that riots in this Pacific State are interpreted by many in the media through the prism of anti-Chinese sentiment. Majority of the protesters have come to Honiara from Malaita Island, whose leadership is actively criticizing the central Government for large-scale corruption, speaking against the process of moving closer to China and condemning rupture of diplomatic relations with Taipei. It needs to be said that rather vicious anti-Chinese rhetoric is striking. Meanwhile, many experts have noted that the USA is behind all this turbulence. And many have been open in saying that this region becomes one of the places where the United States side is taking steps to limit the spread of China’s influence. We have to say that Washington rather cleverly uses every ounce of its political leverage to hurt Beijing.

Many proponents of convergence with Washington openly declare that the current pandemic has impeded the realization of economic projects, which China promised to implement in the Pacific Islands region. This, in turn, exacerbates social tensions in the country. Some even openly declare China’s credibility, its inability to follow through on own pledges and declarations when things get too intense.

Thus, it seems that Washington is gradually beating Beijing in the region.