Rich nations give aid for political gains [1]
Sunday, July 17, 2011 - 07:47. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Editor,
Senolita Swan wants us to believe that Tonga is a country of "beggars," and that "rich countries" are assisting "poor countries like Tonga," out of the goodness of their hearts (A professional beggar . . . 10 Jul 2011).
What a mouthful of British hogwash. European nations are all still interested in having their influence permeating the Pacific. Tonga is showing her appreciation by sending troops to help NATO's war campaign in Afghanistan.
Lets be honest on why do rich nations offer financial aid to poor ones: "They are given for political gains coveted by the richer countries." In diplomatic terms, they call it "national interests."
World War II American Occupation
Why did the U.S. occupy Tonga during World War II? Because the direct supply line to Australia ran through Tonga. By assuring an outpost in Tonga to guard the military supply line from the U.S, the American military used Tonga as "an air and naval base." Tongatapu's shallow waters served as an important naval repair shop for damaged war ships including aircraft carriers wounded in the Naval Battle of the Coral Seas in 1942.
As recent as in this week's world news, for example, the United States pulled the plug on $800 million of military aids to Pakistan. Ostensibly, Pakistan needs financial assistance, but more importantly it is the U.S. national interests at stake. The U.S. needs the Pakistani alliance as much as Pakistan needs the American $800 million.
Similarly, why is China interested to establish friendship with Tonga? You guessed correctly: To establish an outpost in the middle of the Pacific for strategic reasons in China's "national interests."
Sione Akemeihakau Mokofisi, MBA