China wants to be a friend to the Pacific, but so far, it has failed to match Australia's COVID-19 response
- Written by Ian Kemish, Former Ambassador and Adjunct Professor, School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, The University of Queensland
![China wants to be a friend to the Pacific, but so far, it has failed to match Australia's COVID-19 response](https://images.theconversation.com/files/355464/original/file-20200831-19-1nrk8sy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip)
The photo of the Chinese ambassador to Kiribati walking on the backs of schoolboys caused a storm on social media earlier this month. Some saw it as a symbol of China’s sinister intentions in the Pacific and others argued it reflected local customs which should be respected.
The Chinese foreign ministry said in its...