RJL Hawke welcomes China in the Pacific

Is RJL Hawke (alleged ALP luminary) the source of our current difficult relations with the Pacific islands and the perfidious Chinese leadership. Bob had his rose coloured glasses on when he failed to recognise the dangers of encouraging China to adopt a prominent role in the pacific.

Why Bob Hawke welcomed China into the South Pacific in 1986

Former Labor prime minster Bob Hawke welcomed a “positive and constructive” role for China in the Pacific as far back as 1986, according to records newly declassified by the National Archives.

“Australia totally supported this direction of Chinese policy,” he told Premier Zhao Ziyang during an official..... ***the rest of the story resides behind the paywall.
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https://www.copyright link/policy/foreign-affairs/why-bob-hawke-welcomed-china-into-the-south-pacific-in-1986-20220501-p5ahi1


RJL Hawke holding hands with Zhao Ziyang.

The ALP is now busy undoing a mess of its own making.