China Confidential

As of this writing, Fiji's fourth coup is apparently underway.

Armed soldiers have attempted to enter the home of Fiji's prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, who told Radio New Zealand that there is "virtually a coup" taking place.

Soldiers arrived at Qarase's house Tuesday, where he was meeting inside with several cabinet ministers. Police stopped the soldiers from entering.

In other parts of the capital, Suva, troops surrounded government buildings, including the prime minister's office, and seized official cars from ministers. A day earlier, the military disarmed police and ministerial bodyguards.

Army chief Frank Bainimarama has threatened to depose Qarase for several weeks. The military commander says the prime minister is corrupt and too soft on the organizers of a coup six years ago.

Bainimarama said Sunday that a government "clean up" would begin Monday because Qarase failed to meet a Friday deadline to scrap legislation that would grant amnesty to the perpetrators of the 2000 coup.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said she warned the army chief that international sanctions will be imposed if he carries through with the threat.

Qarase has remained defiant, saying he is still in charge of the government and will not step down.