New Zealand sends police and army to Solomon Islands to quell riots

Fijian soldiers arrive in Honiara to help quell riots on the Solomon Islands (Gary Ramage via AP)

New Zealand will send up to 65 military and police personnel to the Solomon Islands in the coming days after rioting and looting broke out there last week over several issues, including concerns about the country’s increasing links with China.

New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said on Wednesday she was “deeply concerned” by the civil unrest that unfolded in the capital, Honiara, and wanted to help restore peace and stability.