A look at two island nations – one with optimism, one with concern

What is now certain is that the next Pacific Games will be yet another "China showcase", giving the PRC massive coverage and impact!

A China-linked company has been given the licence for a gold mine the SI government took friom another company, and in just under two years over half the SI's exports, mainly timber and fisheries, go to China.

The extent of China's presence in the SI is alarming. But what must be of even greater concern to the Australian Government is just how quickly it has been achieved!

For as long as the Sogavare Government is in power, China's influence is going to expand. Our generous development assistance program will make no effective difference.

As I have said, the SI is a small island nation. But it is located very strategically.

Australia needs to do what it can to assist the SI, and one would hope keep a watching brief on China's expanding influence especially when it comes to infrastructure and communications.

That is sadly about the best we can hope for. But what the SI story in recent years simply proves is that if we are to in any way contain China's expanding influence in the region "Step Up" needs to have a rocket under it.

It is just not making an adequate let alone significant difference!