The Bulletin


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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 responseFLORENCE LO / REUTERS POOL

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...

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