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.