Solomon Islands and China sign an agreement on police cooperation, upgrading their security agreement.

In a meeting with Australian PM Albanese, Sogavare says he would never allow foreign military installations in the Solomons.

US and South Pacific countries announce aid and investment package agreement, after Solomon islands balks during the first round of talks on the agreement.

Parliament passes a constitutional change that allows the government to delay the next election until 2024. The opposition accuses Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of a power grab. Sogavare says that the islands cannot conduct both the Pacific Games and the election at the same time.

Solomon Islands denies all foreign navy ships entry to its ports, “pending updates in protocol procedures.”

Government does not respond to US Coast Guard ship’s routine request to dock for refueling.

PM Sogavare has told parliament that other countries have threatened “invasion” of the Solomon Islands, but he does not name the countries.

China and the Solomon Islands sign security treaty. Details remain unclear.

4/1/22. PM Sogavare says the agreement with China does permit building a military base in the islands.

PM Mahasseh Sogavere indignantly says that the Solomon Islands will sign the agreement with China.

Australia criticizes a proposed agreement between China and the Solomon Islands that would allow China to place a military base on the islands. The agreement must be approved by the Solomon Islands government cabinet.

US to reopen embassy in Solomon Islands to counter China’s influence in the nation.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare survives no-confidence vote.

Australian sends troops as requested to Solomon Islands to quell riots demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare for not doing enough for the Malaitan ethnic group. Opposition leader Matthew Wale also calls for Sogavare’s resignation. While the ostensible cause was the government’s recognition of Taiwan, but there have long been underlying tensions between ethnic groups in the islands.

Solomon Islands declares a state of emergency due to COVID-19.

Solomon Islands recognizes China, abandoning Taiwan, after China offers $8.5 million in investments.

Parliamentary election in Solomon Islands under heavy security after years of ethnic tensions quieted with the help of Australian military. There are reports that Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela, known as Rick Hou, could decide to end the country’s support of Taiwan, under heavy pressure from China. Hou is a member of the Democratic Party, which has more influence than most other parties, which generally do not play a large role in Solomon Islands politics.