The Blackrock Base is primarily to be used for training the Fijian army but as as Interesting concept as this base will double as a centre to provide humanitarian aide https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03...roops-train-blackrock-facility-fiji/100910606 Still it is a good chunk of money to be sinking into another country’s military
Sure enough: "Australian government ministers have repeatedly denied that they've funded Blackrock purely to block China from gaining a potential military foothold in the region." Not purely, but certainly partially
Yeah nah. Defend the homeland, avoid entangling alliances and foreign military excursions. Stay neutral. That is my personal ideal policy. Any cent the government is spending abroad on humanitarian causes should be spent here or not at all. Divert it to those indigenous demountables you wanted, I'd be happier with that.
I doubt this is purely altruistic. The Australian defense strategists probably want to minimize the chance that China could seize the islands near Australia as a base to launch attacks, in case any large scale war broke out. (So once again, this could be yet another example that brings into question the issue of free trade, when countries like Australia have to spend so much money on defensive measures making sure they could be able to counter China, while at the same time the Australian market is providing funding to China. What in Economics is referred to as "extraneous" costs)
It's funny that it's called "BlackRock". As there is the world's largest investment company called Blackrock. I wonder if they have had a hand in this?
You are a treat aren't you? Ohhh, nothing gets past you. Can't make conversation like a normal person. So, we now know your true colours.
I am not sure of your disdain for the humanitarian aide coming from this training facility. Perhaps you would elaberate???
Hmm, just like Dutton signing away $280mil for a company operated from some Kangaroo Island beach shack, to run ops for Asylum seekers, Manus Island. I'm sure all of the dough was well spent.
Hi BB, I guess if we don’t provide some sort of support then China will, as can be seen in Vanuatu. Is the money provided justified in the greater scheme of western concerns?