When China gifted Vanuatu a gigantic $28.5m national conference centre in 2016, it became a potent symbol of how Beijing uses development aid to strengthen its diplomatic ties throughout the Pacific.
But just three years after completion, critics say the 1,000-seat concrete facility has become a “white elephant” that highlights the risks posed by poor planning as well as an intensifying geopolitical battle aimed at winning influence in the region.
The building, which towers over the neighbouring Australian High Commission in Port Vila, has failed to attract many events and is expensive to run. Vanuatu recently handed back maintenance to a Chinese company and has requested extra aid from Beijing to retrofit the building.
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