A New Threat !

 A company with close ties to the Communist Party of China is proposing to obtain a ninety nine year lease on the New Guinea island of Tulagi, which is situated adjacent to Australia's Cape York peninsula. It is well within sight of the islands surrounding this most northern part of Australia where locals trade across the customs barrier in an ad hoc basis.

This Chinese company is proposing to turn the island into a holiday resort with special appeal to Chinese families. They plan to move as many as a million people from China to the island to create the work force necessary to give the holiday resort Chinese " characteristics " and hope that Tulagi will become the centre point of Chinese holiday destinations.

During the second world war, this island was  the scene of fighting between Australians and the Japanese and it has a resident New Guinea population.  It is unclear how or where these residents fit into the development plans, but this proposal has causes shock and dismay.

Tulagi is not a mere dot in the ocean.   It is a big island quite capable of housing the tourist structure that could accommodate thousands and be served with airports, golf links and the amenities that appeal to tourists, but this plan intends to reserve the resort exclusively for Chinese tourists.  They will be served by Chinese living on the island and the intent is appeal because it will extend a Chinese flavour in the sub-tropics.

This proposal needs to get the nod from the New Guinea government and no doubt aid will be promised to smooth its way through parliament, but it will pose a threat to the Australian defence establishment.  It will be remembered that their development of islets in the South China sea was quickly followed by fortification and the establishment of air fields and missile batteries.  This island could be turned into a base for the Chinese navy and any airfield can serve a military use.

Once again, China seems interested in developing Chinese only facilities in various parts of the world and that includes Australia.  There is a proposal for a similar Chinese holiday resort on the east coast of Tasmania which is facing strong local opposition.  The thought of a major resort only open to Chinese visitors who are whisked away behind a bamboo curtain is repugnant to many people.

This proposal for making over a million Chinese permanent residents on an island close to our almost empty north coast is unwelcome.  Our defence strategy is based on control of the ocean to our north and the development of a major Chinese population centre almost on our northern shore would compromise that objectively.  It would probably intensify the fortification necessary in northern Australia to meet that threat.

How the New Guinea parliament responds to this proposal will be more than of passing interest to our defence establishment  !