‘A free limo is difficult to show away’: how automobile diplomacy turbo costs politics within the Pacific | Pacific islands

At a ceremony in January, a shiny black luxurious sedan rolled into the leafy, rain-soaked floor of Fiji’s state home. It was a present from China to the Pacific nation’s president, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who thanked Beijing for the “stunning limousine”.

The car given was a Hongqi or “Crimson Flag” automobile, the identical model utilized by China’s chief, Xi Jinping, throughout navy parades.

It’s an instance of China’s “status diplomacy”, says Yun Solar, director of the China Program on the US-based Stimson Heart. “That is extra symbolic than substantive,” Solar says. “It’s a part of China’s support program that goals to construct good private relationships with leaders.”

Throughout the Pacific, nations have lengthy used autos – from ambulances and police vans to highschool buses – as a diplomatic instrument. However as strategic competitors within the area intensifies, these donations have develop into seen markers of rival efforts to court docket Pacific governments and solidify partnerships.

In a area the place geographic isolation and excessive import prices drive up the worth of recent autos, foreign-donated vehicles – typically delivered on the donor’s expense – are extremely prized by Pacific governments.

Australia, the US, New Zealand and Japan are among the many different nations which have donated autos within the Pacific. China has given luxurious vehicles, alongside extra sensible fleets, to nations within the area. As early as 2013, China donated luxurious autos to Fiji’s leaders, and often delivers vehicles to host nations in the course of the Pacific Islands Discussion board, the area’s major leaders’ gathering.

Over the previous decade, China has been steadily increasing its diplomatic, financial and political footprint throughout the Pacific, courting governments with infrastructure tasks, growth support and high-profile items. One goal is to steer Pacific nations to chop ties with Taiwan and publicly again Beijing’s One China precept, Beijing’s declare that Taiwan is a part of its territory. Seven years in the past, Taiwan counted six allies within the Pacific area. Now, with Nauru severing its Taiwan ties in 2024, solely three stay – Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands and Palau.

Fiji’s president and China’s embassy in Fiji didn’t reply to requests for remark concerning the newest reward. However in a speech given because the automobile was handed over in February, Lalabalavu reaffirmed Fiji’s dedication to the “One China coverage”.

Blake Johnson, Pacific affairs professional and senior analyst on the Improvement Intelligence Lab, says the hyperlink between items and political messaging is commonly clear.

“That reiteration of help for the One China coverage is a typical phrase that comes together with most sorts of ceremonies the place [Pacific leaders] obtain items or thank China for the help and help,” Johnson says.

“Present-giving within the area is all the time a two-way road.”

Automobiles ‘reinforce relationships’

China’s rising presence has unsettled conventional companions within the Pacific, significantly Australia, which has lengthy positioned itself as the first accomplice – and it stays the most important international support donor to the area. Over the previous decade, Canberra has moved to reassert that function, increasing policing partnerships, safety agreements and infrastructure help – together with its personal car donations.

Final yr, Solomon Islands’ prime minister launched two public statements in fast succession, first thanking Australia for a fleet of police autos, then thanking China for a fleet of SUVs.

The incident highlighted a “degree of one-upmanship”, Johnson says, and likewise Australia’s want to take care of its relationships within the Pacific within the face of Beijing’s rising affect.

“Australia has made it fairly clear it desires to be the safety accomplice of selection within the Pacific,” he says. “When Australia is working so intently with forces throughout the Pacific, it’s simpler to have autos and gear that match.”

China and Australia are usually not the one gamers, although. In January, the US donated two ambulances to Palau. Japan, Korea and New Zealand have all equipped fleets to Pacific governments.

For donor nations, the attraction is obvious. Johnson describes these autos as “transferring billboards” – garbage vans in Honiara emblazoned with “China Help”, authorities vehicles in Vanuatu bearing stickers noting their donation from Korea, or a glimmering black presidential automobile with the purple Hongqi image.

“Automobiles are good bang-for-buck for international companions,” Johnson says. “They drive round daily, reinforcing that relationship time and again.”

Johnson says most Pacific island nations want help and “autos might be helpful no matter the place they arrive from.”

“A free limo right here and there may be fairly exhausting to show away,” he says.