Chinese takeover in Solomon Islands was preventable – Asia Times

I make an effort to create reports that will endure for more than a few weeks. &nbsp, An Asia Times content from November 27, 2021,” US misses fantastic option in the Solomon Islands”, qualifies.

The municipal elections are in their final stages, and the national elections are over.

Folks voted for change. &nbsp,

China’s man, former Prime Minister Sogavare, did n’t run for his old post – although he retained his seat in parliament&nbsp, ( albeit by a very small margin ) &nbsp, and can still be in the new cabinet. Foreign money is currently funding the continuation of the Sogavare son state, which has a Sogavare protégé as prime minister. And in order to take control of the regions, huge sums of money are currently being directed to the regions. &nbsp, &nbsp, It’s inevitably a test of conscience. &nbsp, And too often Taiwanese dollars wins out.

While fraud and usurpation continue, the Americans and Australians watch in disbelief. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Accepting Foreign currency has no drawbacks.

I wrote a couple years&nbsp, ago that this&nbsp, financial” juice” &nbsp, is the lynchpin of Chinese influence efforts in the Solomons ( and elsewhere ) – and, if it is not addressed, honest and democratic forces will be smothered.

Someone could have been done by the Australians and Americans, including the French ( a European banks granted Sogavare unfathomable debts to expand his real estate empire ). &nbsp, They did n’t. &nbsp,

After 30 times of political misconduct, the Americans reluctantly established a two-man Embassy in Honiara, outperforming the Australians, who performed horribly.

Anyone who had position ( and presumably responsibility ) &nbsp, in Washington and Canberra&nbsp, for ensuring this&nbsp, oncoming Chinese takeover&nbsp, did n’t happen ought to be ashamed. &nbsp, Save the excuses and transferring of blame.

Grant Newsham&nbsp, is a resigned US Marine agent and former US minister. He is the creator of the book&nbsp,