Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare offers an insight on the whys and why nots of diplomatic recognition.

Pacific islands are navigating their own route between big-power plans, writes Graeme Smith.

Is there any basis to all this base talk? On the Australian side, everyone from the prime minister down expresses “great concern” about a Chinese military installation in Vanuatu.

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells and Maurice Newman share a deep suspicion of China’s intentions in the Pacific. Graeme Smith argues that the reality doesn’t match their claims.

Exaggerated fears about China’s intentions reflect a misunderstanding of what’s happening in the region, writes Graeme Smith.