Fashion

Australia boosts Pacific aid and diplomacy as China influence spreads

The tiny Pacific nation of Tuvalu – a series of coral atolls lined with palm tree-studded beaches and lagoons –  has one airport, one hospital and one bank and covers just 10 square miles, making it one of the smallest countries in the world.

But this remote country, accessible by a notoriously unreliable thrice-weekly air service from Fiji, is about to receive a new set of international residents.

In a surprising announcement, Australia revealed this week it is planning to dispatch diplomats to establish a high commission in the capital of Funafuti, joining the island nation’s only other embassy, which belongs to Taiwan.

It was a move that – despite Canberra’s denials – appeared to be aimed…

To continue reading this article

Start a 30-day free trial for unlimited access to Premium articles

  • Unlimited access to Premium articles 
  • Subscriber-only events and experiences
  • Cancel any time

Free for 30 days

then only £2 per week

Try Premium

Save 25% with an annual subscription

Just £75 per year

 

Click Here: gold coast suns 2019 guernsey

Save now

Register for free and access one Premium article per week

Register

Only subscribers have unlimited access to Premium articles.Register for free to continue reading this article
RegisterOr unlock all Premium articles.
Free for 30 days, then just £1 per week
Start trial
Save 40% when you pay annually.
View all subscription options  |
Already have an account? Login

Login

Print subscriber? Click here