Vanuatu in Australia–China–Taiwan relations

Abstract

Vanuatu became a major issue in Australia–China–Taiwan relations during Serge Vohor's turbulent prime ministership in 2004. Already engaged in a struggle with Australia over ‘good governance’, Vohor signed an agreement diplomatically recognising Taiwan. Chinese and Australian pressure led to Vohor's ouster, and a diplomatic setback for Taiwan. Although Australia and Taiwan viewed each other as side issues in this episode, with Australia focused on Vohor and Taiwan on China, their interests were directly opposed during the episode. As became evident in the aftermath of the post-election riot in Solomon Islands in April 2006, these divergent positions have had a lasting negative impact on each country's perception of the other. The key events of 2004 are examined here to demonstrate how this episode has affected the wider landscape of Australia–China–Taiwan relations.

Notes

1. The author gratefully acknowledges support provided by Monash University and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy for his research in Taiwan and the South Pacific. He would also like to thank Bruce Jacobs and Dennis Woodward for their assistance with the manuscript.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joel Atkinson

Joel Atkinson is a doctoral candidate in Chinese Studies at Monash University. He is researching Australian–Taiwan relations with special reference to the South Pacific