Solomon Islands

The World of the Chinese • Season 2 • Episode 1

About this episode

Ruben Terlou visits the Solomon Islands, the unknown island state that symbolizes the increasing rivalry between China and the West. China provided a new stadium, many loans and medical aid in exchange for cutting ties with Taiwan. A security treaty allows China to send police officers, resulting in a violent uprising among the local population. Ruben meets tradesmen in Chinatown whose shops were set on fire. And on Malaita, where most of the rioters come from, he meets the man blamed for the riots. Why don't the Solomon Islanders want China?