Nikkei Film: Solomon Islands, the divisions created by pro-China policy

HONIARA -- The government of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific has worked hard to strengthen ties with China in recent years. The National Stadium being built in the capital, Honiara, for international sports events, the installation of cell towers in suburban areas to improve telecommunications and the planned upgrade of the main port are all projects financed by Chinese grants, loans or investment.

While some say the assistance and investment are welcome contributions to the Solomon Islands' economic development, others warn that the stronger ties with Beijing are squeezing local workers and businesses.

In 2021, demonstrations demanding that Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare step down turned violent. Burned out buildings in the capital's Chinatown are painful reminders of the civil unrest.

Here is a report on how the Solomon Islands have been divided by the government's pro-China shift.