Can Softball Diplomacy Unsettle Beijing’s Hardball?

Australia could be committing $600 million to enable Papua New Guinea to form an 18th rugby league team.

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Can Softball Diplomacy Unsettle Beijing’s Hardball? — Harry Grant of Australia passes the ball during the Men's pacific Championship match between Australia Kangaroos and New Zealand Kiwis at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 28, 2023. Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

By Eric Abetz

11/1/2023Updated: 11/1/2023

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Commentary

Will the sponsoring of a hardball game, namely rugby league, help to diminish the influence of hardball diplomacy?

Eric Abetz

Author

The Hon. Eric Abetz was an Australian Liberal Party senator from 1994-2022. He has held several cabinet positions and served on parliamentary committees examining Electoral Matters, Native Title, Legal and Constitutional Affairs, as well as Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.

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