Diplomatic efforts are certain to be stepped up, however they’re going to be short-term efforts fairly than the vitally essential long-term efforts wanted.
Australia’s relationship with Pacific Islands nations and territories — and the help and a spotlight they have been given — has been so long as it has been uneven.
“It’s been on again-off once more. It’s been piecemeal and it’s been too reactive. In the event you flip the clock again 50 years and have a look at the quantity spent on support to the Pacific, individuals there ought to have gained a greater way of life by now,” a former senior diplomat mentioned.
The overall view is that the Division of Overseas Affairs has additionally despatched junior and lesser expert diplomats to the Pacific in order that Australian posts there are both coaching grounds or graveyards for diplomatic workers. However now they’re centre stage, because of China’s cope with the Solomon Islands.
Learn extra about simply how badly Australia has dealt with the scenario.
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