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https://theconversation.com/superpower-rivalry-is-making-pacific-aid-a-bargaining-chip-vulnerable-island-nations-still-lose-out-244280>
"The A$140 million aid agreement between Australia and Nauru signed last week
is a prime example of the geopolitical tightrope vulnerable Pacific nations are
walking in the 21st century.
The deal provides Nauru with direct budgetary support, stable banking services,
and policing and security resources. In return, Australia will have the right
to veto any pact Nauru might make with other countries – namely China.
The veto terms are similar to the “Falepili Union” between Australia and Tuvalu
signed late last year, which granted Tuvaluans access to Australian residency
and climate mitigation support, in exchange for security guarantees.
And just last week, more details emerged about a defence deal between the
United States and Papua New Guinea, now revealed to be worth US$864 million. In
exchange for investment in military infrastructure development, training and
equipment, the US gains unrestricted access to six ports and airports.
Also last week, PNG signed a ten-year, A$600 million deal to fund its own team
in Australia’s NRL competition. In return, “PNG will not sign a security deal
that could allow Chinese police or military forces to be based in the pacific
nation”.
These arrangements are all emblematic of the geopolitical tussle playing out in
the Pacific between China and the US and its allies.
This strategic competition is often framed in mainstream media and political
commentary as an extension of “the great game” played by rival powers. From a
traditional security perspective, Pacific nations can be depicted as seeking
advantage to leverage their own development priorities.
But this assumption that Pacific governments are “diplomatic price setters”,
able to play China and the US off against each other, overlooks the very real
power imbalances involved.
The risk, as the authors of one recent study argued, is that the “China threat”
narrative becomes the justification for “greater Western militarisation and
economic dominance”. In other words, Pacific nations become diplomatic price
takers."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
