News Analysis The rivalry between the United States and China, particularly over Taiwan, plays out in the Pacific Islands, where countries are forced to choose their alliances. The Solomon Islands is an archipelago nation, in the South Pacific Ocean with a population of 650,000. Violence erupted in the capital of Honiara last month, as protesters forced their way into the parliament and attempted to storm the residence of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, calling for his resignation. In the island’s Chinatown, rioters attacked shops and burnt a police station. Peace was restored after the arrival of Australian soldiers and police, at the request of Sogavare. The country is now threatened by possible food shortages, as many daily necessities are purchased at Chinese shops, which have been destroyed. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Meg Taylor said that the unrest in the Solomon Islands was a response to resource exploitation, economic inequality, and laws …