I lived in the Islands during the 80s and saw Chinese diplomacy in action at a competitive gift-giving ceremony where worthies gave handsome boars to a newly enthroned leader. Tusks got the most points. Nobody knows how–or where–the Ambassador found that boar. In the Islands its tusks would made it a celebrity years before the ceremony occurred.
It's gift-giving time again and China's FM Wang Yi was in town and, by chance, Australia's Foreign Minister was there for a photo-op with the Solomons Prime Minister and to insult the people of the Pacific Islands. As one does.
While Penny ‘unwound’ from her long flight the ten heads of state of the Pacific Islands Community were yukking it up with Wang Yi..
When she touched down in the Solomons last week was Penny Wong aware that she was arriving as China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi was touching down? Did she not suspect Australia’s participation in the Solomon riots last year? The Pacific Islands Community certainly does. Did she not know that the riots triggered the Solomons' call to China for help?
Apparently not. Empty-handed and -headed, she drew giggles by promising to treat the the Islanders with respect, then insulted her hosts, badmouthed Chinese ports and bridges, and threatened 'consequences'. Knowing fully that Beijing's loans are famously free of strings and seemingly infinitely extendable, Wong promised “a partner that doesn’t come with strings attached,” nor impose “unsustainable financial burdens”.
She concluded with a direct, semi-coherent threat, "We have expressed our concerns publicly about the security agreement between the Solomon Islands and China and the reason why is because we have, as do other Pacific nations, we think there are consequences." Just wait til you father gets home. Weak and condescending. That pretty much summarizes kick-down, kiss-up diplomacy de rigeur for Five Eyes Allies.
After a photo-op with the Solomons Prime Minister Penny retreated to 'unwind' while the ten leaders of the Pacific Islands Community, PIC, raised a glass to her Chinese counterpart.
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
The simultaneously-arrived, gift-laden Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, was bubbling with ideas, like a code of mutual behavior: "Equal treatment; Mutual respect; Win-win cooperation; Openness and inclusiveness". Doubtless his hosts joked over beers about Australia's code.
PM Sogavare then thanked him for defending the Solomons at the UN Security Council, and said China’s direct investment in the PIC has risen 400% since 2016, to $4.5 billion, and the fisheries industry is booming. "China has become the biggest cooperative partner of the Solomon Islands on basic infrastructure and as a reliable development partner. Our thanks to China for providing anti-pandemic supplies, rapid-test equipment and sending medical teams to this country. We also appreciate the Chinese side for sending policing supplies and police advisers to help maintain social order in the Solomon Islands after the riot in Honiara. The Solomon Islands and China have conducted cooperation on the basis of equal treatment and mutual respect, and the connection in various fields has become increasingly close, bringing tangible benefits to the Solomon Islands people, the prime minister noted".
One of Mr. Wang’s gifts was a five-year, fully costed, fully financed action plan to unite all ten Pacific nations with a
common data network,
cyber security,
smart customs,
a Free Trade pact,
support for action on health and climate change,
A balanced approach to technological progress, economic development and protection of national security’.
Equal access to its 1.4 billion consumers via duty-free, frictionless trade
A global digital platform for its environmental message, and a global audience of billions.
Build data uplinks, lay ocean cables, to give high speed digital access to the world
Train 2,500 youngsters to lead the transition into the global, digital age.
A voice for voiceless, drowning, Pacific Islanders, and a wide open door into the world's biggest, fastest-growing market.
But, big deal though it be, Chris Devonshire-Ellis says it's just icing on the cake, "In recognising the Pacific Islands Community as one body, China has given the group an identity and decision-making capability previously inaccessible through traditional channels. It provides the PIC with enhanced political strength and purpose – for most of the islands have similar needs which heretofore were addressed bilaterally, if at all".
Godfree wrote Why China Leads the World: Talent at the Top, Data in the Middle, Democracy at the Bottom, and publishes the newsletter, Here Comes China.