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

News Snapshot:

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...