Australian handouts to the Solomons were reduced by $20 million over the last couple of years. How does a so-called 'nation' get by with only 700,000 occupants without charity, or going back to subsistence living, fishing, vegetable growing, as they did before they were 'discovered' by people who thought they should be living like civilised Europeans whether they wanted to or not.

Greg Sheridan is not a "hack". Mr. Backpack should look in a mirror to see one of those. And, comparing AUKUS with Beijing's lack of "candour" is just one more example of anti-Australianism.

I say, have the right sorts of missiles pointing at the Chinese-loving islands, then cut off all aid to the ingrates. The money saved could go to the likes of Fiji and other Pacific countries who share Australia's concern about the Chinese Communist Party's, and possibly that party's military, in our region.

Disagree! He didn't do any such thing. But simply echoed what most Aussies are thinking right now. Caretaker mode or not just doesn't cancel a right to express a personal opinion about an extremely hostile China with Australia clearly in its crosshairs!
Alan B.

Hear, hear and well said, ttbn.
Alan B.

Who cares?

Dan

Integrity means nothing to people who are only interested in money, too many Australians included !

It serves China right for building their country so close to all those American bases in the South China Sea - the ones kindly described by a US General as "the perfect noose" - not that it's at all provocative or threatening.

The whole China Solomon Islands deal was a foregone conclusion ! The Solomon islanders and, as will PNG, decided long ago to go with China for one simple but very simple reason. China is not White & it goes in line with the global anti-white sentiments !