In 2019, the Solomon Islands Govt switched recognition from Taiwan to China.

The normal way of things is China offers big bags of cash and govts greedily go for it - no more is said.

This is the dirty secret that lies at the heart of world politics - we know Taiwan is a democratic country - we know China is a totalitarian regime - we know we crap on about 'letting Freedom reign - but hey - look at all that money!

As a rule, nobody cares. But the changeover didn't go according to script in the Solomons.

News: Tensions have been flared by a rivalry between the islands of Malaita, the country’s most populous island, and Guadalcanal which are both part of the Solomons Islands.

Guadalcanal is home to the nation’s government which China has allegedly “bribed” to break ties with Taiwan. Malaita, meanwhile, receives aid from United States and Taiwan.

The Malaita province Premier, Mr Suidani, blasted the move saying the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had been offered a bribe to support the switch, which Mr Sogavare denied.

He has also defiantly maintained contact with the Taiwan authorities. As a result the province continues to receive outsized aid from Taipei and Washington.

The nation has two days of chaos, with rioting and looting in the capital Honiara and the burning of public buildings and shops.

Mr Suidani has accused Mr Sogavare of being in Beijing’s pocket, alleging he had “elevated the interest of foreigners above those of Solomon Islanders”.

“People are not blind to this and do not want to be cheated anymore.”

As a result, there has been rioting. Unfortunately, Chinese businesses have been attacked and set on fire - made the scapegoats of the local people's anger against big-power politics. It's believed that resentment against Covid restrictions has also fueled unrest.

It's an unlikely stretch to see Solomon Islands becoming a template for the world, but it shows there is a breaking point when you keep telling the people whoppers. A time comes when they don't believe a word you say. At that point you've lost control.