Tony Abbott was called the “Pivot of the Pacific” he turned his back because he thought he’d rather be the “Pillock” and was an excellent one.(ODT)
Tag: Pacific
Remember when Abbott was called the Pivot… he cut foreign aid and went to Europe and the Middle East (ODT)
Key points:
- Analyst says the redeveloped naval base represents a pushback against Chinese ambitions in the region
- US Vice President Mike Pence spoke about the ‘great connection’ between the US and PNG
- The US, China and Australia have all been vying for influence in the Pacific
Plans to host US warships at a redeveloped naval base on Manus Island will undermine China’s plans to establish a military presence in the Pacific, says one analyst. Scott Morrison says PNG asked the US and Australia to get involved, as the countries vie for influence in the region.
![Supporters of Mahathir Mohamad are seen outside the National Palace, a day after the general election in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 10, 2018 [File: Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters]](https://peterimrich.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/46e36333f8a74934bc188184ada8ff00_18.jpg?w=845 "Malaysia and Indonesia are bucking the global trend on democracy")
Much of the world may be having its doubts about democracy. Even in the Asia Pacific’s veteran democracy Australia, a recent poll showed that a third of the population favoured an authoritarian or “strongman” type leader. But in the Muslim Malay world, it looks like democracy is here to stay.
Source: Malaysia and Indonesia are bucking the global trend on democracy | Indonesia | Al Jazeera
“I pointed out that in dealing with terrorism, one has to know the causes,” Dr Mahathir told journalists after emerging from a bilateral meeting with the Australian Prime Minister. “Adding to the causes of terrorism is not going to be helpful, I pointed that out. And Australia has not made any decision, they are looking into it.”
Source: Indonesian MPs claim Australians could be targeted in terror attacks in response to Israel rethink
Remember when PM Tony Abbott was Pivot of the Pacific and he turned his back on them to shirt front Putin. He got rid of Radio Australia and opened the gate. (ODT)
PNG owes China nearly $2 billion arising from concessional loans, according to the ABC – nearly a quarter of its total debt.
Looking north: PNG signs on to China’s Belt and Road Initiative
ECONOMIES BATTERED BY THE WEATHER
Tukuitonga told the gathering the South Pacific countries, through climate change alone, had been taking massive losses to annual gross domestic product (GDP) – 20-30% or more — due to the effects of extreme weather events, especially cyclones.
While they are among some of the world’s poorest in dollar terms, for a bad year like 2009-10, those countries would be losing overall some $10 billion.
More figures reeled off by Dr Tukuitonga set out the pattern of relentless bad news, against which he offered some patches of light in terms of actions being taken, or which might be taken, by governments and other interests.
Japan protests to China which it says has sent a fleet of more than 200 ships towards disputed islands in the East China Sea.
Source: Chinese fleet sails near Japanese Senkaku islands – BBC News
Pacific trade ministers reach a deal on the most sweeping trade liberalisation pact in a generation.
Source: The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Pacific countries agree to historic trade pact
