The tiny countries have known great-power contests before and resent being played
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskThis April, China signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, allowing ship visits and the deployment of armed police and military personnel , again causing alarm in Australia. In May China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, embarked onin an attempt to get them to sign up to a “China-Pacific Island Countries Common Development Vision”—a new geopolitical bloc, in short.
For all that this unfolding contest seems new to its protagonists, the Pacific islands themselves remember previous eras when their external relationships were determined by great powers. In the 19th century Britain and France competed for Tahiti and the scattered islands of modern French Polynesia. Germany and Britain struggled for control over Fiji, Samoa and the east of the island of New Guinea. Americans were behind the Pacific’s first coup, in Hawaii in 1893 .
Bearing that history in mind helps with an understanding of Pacific nations’ sense of vulnerability today—and their deep pride. They resent being played, especially when they are not consulted. Perhaps Mr Wang should not have been surprised when nations collectively rejected his proposal—China had not bothered to run it by them.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sri Lanka debt talks with China a test of creditor appetite for bailout\n\t\t\tKeep abreast of significant corporate, financial and political developments around the world.\n\t\t\tStay informed and spot emerging risks and opportunities with independent global reporting, expert\n\t\t\tcommentary and analysis you can trust.\n\t\t
Read more »
From China to Europe, Climate Change Made This Summer's Drought 20 Times More LikelyTo stop the 'compounding and cascading effect' of climate change, the world must reduce emissions
Read more »
China upgrades Great Firewall to defeat TLS toolsJust in time to ensure nobody can disagree that giving Xi five more years as president is the best idea ever
Read more »
China Is Expanding Its Energy Footprint In The Middle East | OilPrice.comChina continues to expand its footprint in the Middle East, deepening energy and security ties through a number of high-profile political summits
Read more »
Why Russia but not China faces human rights actionThe UN has examined allegations of repression and human rights violations in both countries.
Read more »