Solomon Islands ends COVID isolation, reopens to world for first time since China deal announced

After more than 800 days shut off from the outside world, Solomon Islands has become the latest country to reopen after COVID-19 protocols, with the first flight set to touch down in the capital Honiara on Friday afternoon. The small nation of 700,000 people, about 2,000 kilometres north-east of Cairns, became a surprise focal point during this year’s election campaign after its Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed a security pact with China. It caused fierce debate during the campaign, sparking fears China is planning a military base in the country — speculation both China and Solomon Islands have denied. Mr…