Arabic version: جزر سليمان توضح دور مركز الشرطة الجديد في هونيارا
Authorities in the Solomon Islands have denied claims that Chinese police will run a new police post in Honiara’s Chinatown. According to ABC News, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) confirmed that the small demountable office being set up will be manned by RSIPF officers.
The temporary facility, located behind Chung Wah School, has sparked rumors of a Chinese police presence due to its funding by the Solomon Islands Chinese Association. Local community members expressed concerns that the structure could symbolize China’s expanding security influence in the region, especially following the unrest that affected Chinatown during the riots of November 2021.
The RSIPF spokesperson, Desmond Rave, emphasized that the police post aims to enhance community safety and will serve both Chinatown and surrounding areas. While he acknowledged that Chinese police may “visit” the site, he clarified that they will not be stationed there.
Henry Kwan from the Solomon Islands Chinese Association stated that the decision to establish the post was driven by local demand for increased police presence, particularly following the closure of a nearby police station last year. He noted that the school grounds were chosen due to a lack of suitable land elsewhere.
As the new police office is set to open on March 1, it is expected that Australia and other Western nations will monitor the situation closely, given the potential implications for regional security dynamics.
