#196 China Is Flooding the Pacific with Money, Corruption | Cleo Paskal
Feb 27, 2023
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Expert Cleo Paskal discusses China's infiltration of the Pacific islands, highlighting corruption and power struggles. The conversation also covers Australia's challenges in countering Chinese influence, strategic implications for the US, and media coverage limitations in the region. The podcast concludes with reflections on veterans' PTSD treatment, US government divisions, and the hosts' responsibilities as media personalities.
China plans to use Pacific islands to isolate Taiwan from aid support.
Chinese influence operation in the Solomon Islands weakened by local resistance.
Efforts to counter China in the Pacific emphasize the region's geopolitical significance.
Deep dives
China-US Conflict in the Pacific
China is gaining ground in the Pacific region at the expense of the US, particularly seen in the Solomon Islands where Chinese influence operations have weakened the country. After Solomon's switch from Taiwan to China in 2019, Chinese influence has disrupted the region, aiming to displace US presence by strategically targeting key islands.
Influence Operations in Solomon Islands
The case study of Solomon Islands shows how China swiftly weakened the country by influencing local leaders and key figures to favor CCP interests. The premier of Melita Province, Daniel Suidani, stood up against China, facing backlash and attempts to remove him from power through manipulation and bribery.
Geopolitical Significance of the Pacific Islands
China's interest in islands like the Solomon Islands strategically challenges US influence in the region, potentially pushing the US back to Hawaii. The Pacific islands' recognition of Taiwan and resistance to Chinese influence highlight the region's pivotal role in global power dynamics.
Regional Responses and Challenges
Pacific Island nations navigate complex challenges, such as internal corruption, Chinese influence, and Western neglect. Efforts like appointing key figures from Taiwan-recognizing countries to leadership positions signal resistance against Chinese encroachment.
Calls to Action for US and Australia
The US and Australia face criticism for mishandling engagement in the Pacific, leading to missed opportunities and Chinese encroachment. Suggestions include cracking down on money laundering, supporting regional leaders, and fostering genuine partnerships to counter Chinese influence.
The Chinese Communist Party knows that if it can get a foothold in the Pacific islands, its rivals would have a hard time coming to Taiwan's aid. This is all part of the CCP's invasion plan for Taiwan, and that plan seems to be coming to fruition. In this episode of China Unscripted, we talk about the corruption and money China is sending to the Pacific islands, how China's biggest critic in the Solomon Islands got ousted, and what the West can do to displace China's foothold in the region. Joining us in this episode is Cleo Paskal, a senior fellow at The Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
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