China-sceptic leader of Solomon Islands largest province removed

The decision to switch diplomatic ties to China fuelled animosity between Daniel Suidani, who led the province of Malaita, and Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare [File: Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo]

Daniel Suidani, a vocal critic of China and leader of the Solomon Islands’s largest province, has been removed from office after a no-confidence vote in the provincial legislature, according to Australia’s public broadcaster ABC.

Legislators brought the vote after accusing Suidani, premier of Malaita province in the Pacific Islands nation, of misappropriating funds, according to ABC.