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Post by aeromuzz on Jan 16, 2013 11:05:09 GMT 12
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Post by obiwan27 on Jan 16, 2013 11:41:17 GMT 12
Nice safety record on that aircraft - not!!! The Chinese one, not the DC3.
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Post by davidd on Jan 16, 2013 11:52:48 GMT 12
This sounds like the lastest in a long list of Tongan airlines, although probably this is the first to involve China. Result is always the same though. Enough said.
David D
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Post by Ykato on Jan 16, 2013 12:08:34 GMT 12
China Seeks to Star in South Pacific NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga—China is quietly extending its influence among poor island nations dotted across the South Pacific, encroaching in a region of strategic importance to the U.S. The Kingdom of Tonga is typical of tiny South Pacific nations now dependent on financial assistance from China to support a weak economy and fund new infrastructure. China's role presents a problem for the U.S., which is seeking to protect its own interests in a region of rich fishing grounds and potential resources. online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303815404577334522576045372.html#articleTabs%3Dvideo |
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Post by phil82 on Jan 16, 2013 14:03:40 GMT 12
I think that aircraft is the very same that was refused certification by the US FAA
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Post by ngatimozart on Jan 16, 2013 14:29:30 GMT 12
I was reading something last week which was a story about an article from one of the Chinese newspapers stating that the Chinese PLA Navy should have foreign bases around the world for its warships. One of these was Port Moresby in PNG. I'll see if I can find it again, because whilst it is probably more political and biased than anything else it did raise some interesting points about foreign support basing for the PLA Navy. Another suggested base was close to the Mallacca Straits and in Qatar. I think I read it on the Pacific Sentinel site so I'll hunt through there.
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Post by Bruce on Jan 16, 2013 21:36:10 GMT 12
I dont think I'll plan any holiday involving domestic travel in Tonga after June.... I'd feel far safer in an ancient Chathams DC3 or Convair than a brand newTongan Government MA60!
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Post by Peter Lewis on Jan 16, 2013 22:03:14 GMT 12
The Harbin Y-12s in Vanuatu seem to do quite well.
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Post by ngatimozart on Jan 17, 2013 13:33:45 GMT 12
I was reading something last week which was a story about an article from one of the Chinese newspapers stating that the Chinese PLA Navy should have foreign bases around the world for its warships. One of these was Port Moresby in PNG. I'll see if I can find it again, because whilst it is probably more political and biased than anything else it did raise some interesting points about foreign support basing for the PLA Navy. Another suggested base was close to the Mallacca Straits and in Qatar. I think I read it on the Pacific Sentinel site so I'll hunt through there. This the article. It's a Chinese Military news service article from a China Defence mash up site and I don't know it's country of origin although a reasonable guesstimate could suggest the PRC. This is Pacific Sentinel site |
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Post by strikemaster on Jan 17, 2013 21:24:39 GMT 12
I wonder if all this good will from China might not prompt the gubmit to re-evaluate its fighter capability? Or will they just shove their necks back into the sand?
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Post by baronbeeza on Jan 18, 2013 11:04:37 GMT 12
I wonder if all this good will from China might not prompt the gubmit to re-evaluate its fighter capability? A good idea, China may be able to give us a few fighters. I am not sure if we get much other aid from them. I can recall the Chinese doing the new runway on Tarawa about 20 years ago and I know they have been having a strong influence in the Pacific for many years. There was the new hotel right at the entrance to the Fua’amotu airport as well. Unfinished while I was there but I had a feeling it was Chinese money. They may just look favourably on a request from our Government. |
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Post by strikemaster on Jan 18, 2013 11:30:49 GMT 12
I was thinking more from the point of view that if they are handing out toys and cash I'd doubt that any of the smaller islands would back the US should any trouble in the Pacific occur. You don't bite the hand that feeds you. Tonga has obviously shat in private enterprises face and taken a big back hander from China. Obviously good will and common sense in relation to Pacific island partners is not a concern for Tonga. China don't generally do things out of good will.
As Obi Wan said, I recommend caution.
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Post by Peter Lewis on Jul 8, 2013 22:55:19 GMT 12
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Post by raymond on Jul 8, 2013 23:06:23 GMT 12
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