Rethinking international trade and the look north policy
The look north policy approach has been a controversial foreign policy approach taken by developing countries in the Pacific region. The usage of the phrase 'look north' is metaphorically used in reference to China. Geographically, China is not directly to the north of both PNG and Fiji , it is towards the north-west. The rapid transformation that started in the 1980s and continued to today was and is the main reason why countries in the Pacific have decided to look north. In particular, countries are interested in learning about the Chinese model of development and want to strategically position themselves in order to benefit from the growth of the country. The latest country to follow the look north policy direction is the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands cabinet has decided to adhere to the 'One China' policy in a major foreign policy shift after 36 years. They now view Taiwan as an integral part of the Chinese mainland and not as an independent countr