20 Apr 2018

Geopolitical analyst looks at UK's move towards the Pacific

From , 3:02 pm on 20 April 2018

An academic says it remains to be seen what the impacts of the United Kingdom's attempts to reconnect with the Pacific will be after a signifcant period of being less engaged.

Britain has just announce its plans to open new diplomatic posts in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London.

Jenny Meyer asked Professor of Comparative Politics at Victoria University of Wellington Jon Fraenkel what he thought of the move.

Pacific leaders at talks with the head of Britain's Diplomatic Service at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sir Simon McDonald.

Pacific leaders at talks with the head of Britain's Diplomatic Service at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sir Simon McDonald. Photo: Government of the Kingdom of Tonga