The scourge of chequebook diplomacy

Australia and New Zealand brokered a peace deal in 2000 to end three years of civil unrest in the islands, and since then both countries have been involved in the Regional Mission to the Solomon Islands.

It is designed to improve governance and security, and strengthen nation-building. But much of that work is being undermined by Honiara's capacity to get soft loans and unconditional aid from Taiwan.

And, to make matters worse from Australia's perspective, Beijing is trying to encourage the Solomon Islands to move away from Taiwan - again, through the liberal use of untied aid and economic favours.

Mr Rini has resigned as prime minister, but that has not diminished Australia's desire to see Beijing and Taipei put away their chequebooks for good.