Beijing was ready to send heavy weaponry and security personnel to the Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands last December to enhance “safety and security” following violent riots in the capital Honiara, which saw the Chinatown district razed. The letter from the Chinese diplomatic outpost to the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was prepared to dispatch a range of “light weapons and equipment”, including two machine guns, one sniper rifle, 10 pistols, 10 rifles, and “police equipment” including 10 electric batons. The PRC was also set to send 10 plainclothes security officers for a period of six to 12 months, according to the documents dated Dec. 3, 2021, which was seen by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (pdf). “It would be highly appreciated if the government of Solomon Islands could facilitate to grant permission to the entry of the above-mentioned team with …