Interesting question. Australia does follow the One-China policy of course - so is it earning trade points with China by re-enforcing that in Solomon?

Or is it there to fill a security vacuum that China may fill if they didn't go?

The story says the rogue island is getting US as well as Taiwanese support so it would be strange if Australia went against US strategy in the Pacific.

It's hard to believe in this day and age but they might even be there to do what they're saying publicly - just calm things down and keep the peace.

I'm all for throwing off the CCP influence and recognizing Taiwan, but none of us want to see Chinese people targeted because of their ethnicity.

I'm curious to see how it unfolds.