The United Kingdom’s Brexit decision — at least the electorate’s decision — to quit the European Union marked the first major reversal of the dominance of urban capitals over their hinterland regions in the post-Cold War era.
The jury remains out as to whether Beijing has a clearly thought-through agenda with the Pacific Islands Forum, meeting this week, or even in Africa, or whether it is just lashing out to show that it still matters. But, rest assured, it is lashing out.
