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Monday, 8 February 2021, 4:23 pm
Clever diplomacy rarely involves total commitment or
unqualified fidelity to any one state. Treacherous waters
require careful navigation, an understanding of shifty and
shifting allegiances. The goal for the prudent statesperson
is the pursuit of self-interest without alienation. In that
regard, Papua New Guinea is proving increasingly
interesting, finding itself between playground thugs with
varying degrees of form. It has refused to cold shoulder the
People’s Republic of China, signing to its Belt and Road
Initiative. It also continues to accept the patronising
largesse from Australia, a country increasingly hostile to
Beijing’s ambitions in the Asia-Pacific.
Why PNG s Daru would reluctantly support a $204 million Chinese fishing plant on Australia s doorstep
ThuThursday 17
updated
ThuThursday 17
DecDecember 2020 at 10:22pm
Daru Mayor Samuel Winggu says he has been calling for more investment in his town for years.
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The plan for a new multimillion-dollar fish processing plant on his small island came as a complete surprise to Samuel Winggu.
Key points:
Canberra also has security concerns given Daru s proximity to Australia
The island is extremely poor and its mayor says it s desperate for development
A press release announcing the agreement under the Chinese Government s Belt and Road Initiative hailed it as a win for local jobs and development.