China is continuing to spread its tentacles around the globe, not surprisingly for a bludgeoning world power
The People's Republic is presently planning for what would be its first overseas base in the South Pacific.
However, Australia has told China not to build a large military base in the tiny Pacific state of Vanuatu, which would put Beijing’s navy and airforce on its doorstep and New Zealand’s too.
The Chinese have appropriately been wooing the government and people of Vanuatu. Last week China promised to build a new official residence for its prime minister, Charlot Salwai.
Also, Chinese aid has already paid for Vanuatu’s lavish new parliament and prime minister’s building, a 1,000-seat convention centre and a sports stadium. Chinese builders are finishing a school that Vanuatu boasts will be the biggest in the South Pacific.
