Jeff I agree RAMSI was one of the best programs since the 1970's. However the pace of development in the South Pacific in general has been well below population growth thus a belief that things have gone backwards. Along comes CCP with a bag of "gifts" in the name of BRI with instant appeal. There is a belief in Melanesia that we can take from both sides.

What’s new. China has a troubling influence everywhere.

China seems to be following Japans wartime strategy, to threaten Australia by the acquisition of territory to our north from where it could mass and mount an assault. With the major difference, it's buying bases from willing sellers rather than conquering them by force of arms!

There's simply no way we can match China's financial influence and therefore, shouldn't try as that would just burn valuable resources in some futile attempt to counter China's financial influence!

Better we should spend those tiny resources where they will actually influence outcomes! And here I am saying we need both nuclear power and nuclear weapons yesterday!

The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago! Failing that ASAP! Ditto, introducing nuclear power and nuclear armaments! The latter ought to be, small tactical weapons we can deliver as laser-guided smart bombs from stealth bombers. Or remote-controlled drones.

All of which like recycling, completely dependant on affordable energy, i.e., MSR thorium assisted by a tax system and rates that unchain our manufacturing sector and cooperative capitalism that then allows one dollar to do the work of seven as well as eliminating unproductive drones from both the commercial sector as well as the manufacturing provinces!

Both of which need to be concentrated near the energy hubs, to eliminate as much as possible transmission and distribution losses!

This model could be replicated across the nation in camouflaged hubs or in underground situations not easily attacked from the air!
Alan B.

Cannot help but agree with you Alan, but we may not get that opportunity.
I foresee that we will progress as at present. We will keep on
installing solar and wind and batteries until we run out of money.
Our debtors will be hammering on the door as our electrical system collapses.
When all the school leavers are absolutely convinced that global
warming will end our economy, the "our teachers told us so" voters
will over rule commonsense.

I fear that a total collapse of the economy is not beyond possibility.

Australia would have retained at least some influence in the Solomon Islands.
Jefrey Wall,
It has albeit not a lasting beneficial one !