Gilbert Ullrich takes a look at the role of China in the Pacific in today's Herald.
He concludes:
A large number of the China corporations have state or political regional backing and extensive industrial policies. Since January 2007, the interim Prime Minister of Fiji has responded to a wide range of opportunities given by China to uphold his interim Government, in the face of sanctions from Australia and New Zealand.
In less than 30 years China has become a world leader in manufacturing and exporting. At least for the moment, China appears to broaden the menu of options for Island states, whose leaders are becoming well accustomed to operating in a world controlled by power players.
