Since Russia invaded Ukraine, our region has been on heightened alert for signs that the Kremlin’s offensive might embolden Beijing in its pursuit of regional dominance.initialled on Thursday has provided an early test of these changed geopolitical waters.
Some are urging a dramatic reassessment of our relations with Honiara including our de facto support for its divisive Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Australia led a joint peacekeeping force with police and soldiers from Fiji and Papua New Guinea in November which kept Mr Sogavare in power. By contrast, the Australian government is pursuing a less confrontational strategy of trying to win hearts and minds. When Prime Minister Scott Morrison visits the region he likes to talk about our Pacific island “family”.
Australian diplomats need to learn to leverage our soft cultural power, the influence from our large expatriate islander community and especially our proven track record as a source of aid.
bit late now ,post factus
Australia is happy to let them go under water, but not to let them form ties with China? Hmmmm.
Every independent and democratic country has its own decision. Is Australia Gov seeking to penetrate into or conquer other Pacific countries? AU should have the confidence to win other countries' respect because we have a good regime. The only thing I worry is Morrison Gov. 🥱🥱
Next time the Solomons get into trouble and carry on like idiots, if they come to Australia with their begging cup, tell them to get their money from Beijing, I’m sure it will come with no strings. We need to turn off the money tap.
The same arrogance with which the US declares all of South America its backyard is at the heart of Australia deeming the Pacific Islands its sole domain. Hence now this indignant outrage at SI choosing to cooperate with China. How dare they defy the US sheriff for the region!
What’s happened in Solomons is far more complex than it being simply our sides mistake. China has manufactured security problems in the Solomons by interfering in local politics, and then capitalised on that interference by offering security support.
Let them be exploited by the Chinese,that's what they want.
This would not have happened if Australia acted as the responsible regional power it was before the Abbot era. That bloke bent to right wing nationalist nutjobs and cut foreign aid to 'save money'. That worked didn't it? Time to ramp up foreign aid and make us a leader again.