Australian Senator Ted O'Brien has spoken out against a suggestion made by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who proposed that Australia withhold aid from Pacific countries that also receive assistance from China. O'Brien expressed concerns about the potential implications of Hanson's idea, stating that it could damage Australia's relationships with its Pacific neighbors and undermine trust in the region. He emphasized that the relationship between Australia and the Pacific Islands is complex and goes beyond mere financial aid, with significant implications for trade and security. As tensions rise over China's growing influence in the Pacific, O'Brien's comments highlight the delicate balance of power in the region and the need for a nuanced approach to international relations.
Follow live updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTed O’Brien distanced himself from Pauline Hanson’s suggestion that Australia shouldn’t give aid to Pacific countries that also take aid from China.He said it was a legitimate concern, but her solution was “completely wrong” for the Pacific and not in Australia’s national interest.The idea that you effectively hold a gun to the head of our Pacific neighbours - that’s that’s not what a friend does, that’s not a way of building trust, you don’t basically create an ultimatum.You certainly don’t say it’s all about who you’re going to get money from. The relationship that we have with the Pacific Islands is far deeper than then development money.From Australia’s perspective, I think that’s the main thing that we should be concerned about, because that has a direct impact on the prices we pay here in Australia.A permanent toll would be bad in practice, wrong in principle, and set a dangerous precedent for how otherwise waterways should be managed internationally. Continue reading...
