Every nation that allows a thought that China could be a security partner would do well to consider how China treats her own citizens. On more than one occasion, China has been willing to and has deliberately starved millions of Chinese when it was deemed expedient. Indeed, you can trust China when the chips are down.
I’m curious who the Solomon Islands thought was going to
invade, so much so that they needed China’s protection.
China perhaps?
Is this simply a “protection money” situation?
Solomon Islands are key in the Pacific for one reason. You cannot supply or reinforce Australia without them.
They didn’t get what they wanted from the US or Australia, so they cut a deal with China. The good news is they got the money. The bad news is that they have made themselves a giant War target.