Solomon Islands fires an official critical of its close ties with China, supporters protest

Solomon Islands fires an official critical of its close ties with China, supporters protest

According to reports, a vocal critic of China and the leader of the Solomon Islands’ most populous province was removed from office following a no-confidence vote by the provincial legislature on Tuesday.

The premier of the South Pacific nation’s Malaita province, Daniel Suidani, has long been a critic of the country’s growing ties with China, which culminated in a security pact signed last April.

He has barred Chinese companies from operating in the province and has accepted US development aid.

According to reports, Suidani was ousted by Malaita’s provincial assembly in a unanimous vote on Tuesday.

Supporters of Malaita Province Premier Daniel Suidani staged a peaceful protest, calling for the vote to be canceled.