Geo Political Risk

**GTM 3442** · 26-05-2022, 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by Davexl

If by "act", it might at some point mean intervening militarily, (on a temporary basis) if China's strategic intentions become any more blindingly obvious...
At the minimum, it might mean inviting them to be jointly governed with New Zealand & Australian governance oversight, for the smaller 'nations' in any event.
This could be seriously putting NZ and Australia directly at risk...

The risk comes from the fact that for all the pontificating about New Zealand being a Pacific Nation, Wellington has been blindsided by this.

However I suppose we can take comfort that in offices all across Wellington there are shelves and shelves of neatly-filed policy papers covering the full spectrum of Pacific Identity Politics and De-Colonization Strategies and the like.

**Davexl** · 26-05-2022, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by GTM 3442

The risk comes from the fact that for all the pontificating about New Zealand being a Pacific Nation, Wellington has been blindsided by this.

However I suppose we can take comfort that in offices all across Wellington there are shelves and shelves of neatly-filed policy papers covering the full spectrum of Pacific Identity Politics and De-Colonization Strategies and the like.

Surely, NZ diplomats, spies & Five-Eyes have a better handle on what the hell is going on than being blind-sided like this. Few heads on the block me-thinks...

**Davexl** · 26-05-2022, 11:22 AM

Didn't link this as it's in the commonly read newspapers but quite strong comment from Mahuta...

Solomon Islands-China security pact: NZ Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta meets counterpart

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/solomon-islands-china-security-pact-nz-foreign-minister-nanaia-mahuta-meets-counterpart/X74EP3H3GNYH5ONAJEYUBQTIRI/

Excerpt:

Mahuta previously said the proposed agreement with China "while within Solomon Islands' sovereign rights, risks destabilising the current institutions and arrangements that have long ensured the Pacific region's security".

"Given this would not benefit New Zealand or our Pacific neighbours, we will continue to raise our strong condemnation of such agreement directly with the countries involved."

Also, containing more details...(non paywalled) https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/pol...-military-base

**Davexl** · 26-05-2022, 12:05 PM

Older article (May 3) but requesting more assertiveness on multiple fronts from New Zealand...

New Zealand must lead the response to China's agreement with the Solomon Islands

https://www.stuff.co.nz/opinion/1284...n-islands?rm=a

**Panda-NZ-** · 26-05-2022, 01:36 PM

China will give the solomons the tibet treatment eventually.

Having police forces there, loyal to the CCP rather than the local population should be an obvious risk.

**Panda-NZ-** · 26-05-2022, 01:37 PM

Washington also dropped the ball.. $2T spent on afghanistan when the locals don't want to fight.

vs Ukraine where both men and women are picking up weapons to fight an autocrat.

**Davexl** · 26-05-2022, 03:06 PM

China now saying "Watch this space"...

Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand can handle Pacific security, as China seeks region-wide agreement

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/pol...wide-agreement

**GTM 3442** · 26-05-2022, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by Davexl

China now saying "Watch this space"...

Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand can handle Pacific security, as China seeks region-wide agreement

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/pol...wide-agreement

"Follow the money" - as they say.