by Richard Butler | 14 Jul 2018 | News
Richard Butler | Stripes.com | July 14th 2018
U.S. troops will conduct humanitarian operations next week on a South Pacific island that, some have speculated, is eyed by China as a potential overseas military base.
About 65 U.S. troops will provide humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu during Operation Pacific Angel, which runs July 16 to 21, Pacific Air Forces announced Thursday.
In April Vanuatu’s government denied reports that it was talking to Beijing about building a Chinese military Read more [...]
by Richard Butler | 14 Jul 2018 | News
Richard Butler | Stripes.com | July 14th 2018
This year has seen intense scrutiny of Chinese aid to Pacific island countries by the Australian media. The focus of coverage has been on a range of perceived “threats” emanating from China. These include the leverage associated with Pacific Island debt to China, and security and military implications of Chinese-funded infrastructure such as wharf facilities.
For a region accustomed to being ignored by the Australian press, it is a big change Read more [...]
by Richard Butler | 03 Jul 2018 | News
Richard Butler | Foreign Policy Journal | July 3rd 2018
The tiny Pacific nation of Vanuatu is only the latest developing nation to fall victim to a highly disturbing trend: regional economic giants—in this case China and Australia—playing out their personal rivalries on emerging economies’ soil. Wealthier countries like these are engaged in a constant proxy war for influence, coercing poverty-stricken nations around the world to host their military bases and miring them in debt with gargantuan Read more [...]
by Richard Butler | 06 Jun 2018 | News
Richard Butler | Daily Post | June 6th 2018
An ambitious new project is emerging at Narpow Point on Efate.
The construction of a new modern city, dubbed the “Rainbow International City” and “Little Singapore”, by the FPF Company Limited is underway.
It is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.
FPF Company Limited – which introduces itself as one of largest multiprofile companies doing business in construction, media, retail, immigration and business consulting Read more [...]
by Richard Butler | 03 Nov 2017 | News
Richard Butler | Island Life | Nov 3rd 2017
The Vanuatu prime minister has assured China’s ambassador that Vanuatu is committed to the One China Policy.
Charlot Salwai made the comment on Wednesday during the official presentation of over 400 athletes and officials who’ll take part in the mini games next month in Honiara.
Through its aid programme, China has funded the construction of facilities for the games as well as roads on the islands of Tanna and Malekula.
Mr Salwai said he Read more [...]
