Many of the protesters feel overlooked by the government in Guadalcanal province and oppose its 2019 decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establish formal links with China.

Protests have quickly descended into a violent free-for-all, with gangs of stick-wielding youths rampaging through the capital, stripping stores of goods and clashing with police.

The decision conflicts with the Solomons central government’s position to cash in on China’s ambitions in the South Pacific.

Canberra is cosying up to Pacific island nations hoping to deflect them from Beijing's cash-laden temptations.

The number of countries with zero cases is now down to single digits

Police think the men were trying to disarm the bomb.