VIP in town!

After much hype and speculation about whether US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would attend the Forum, she has finally arrived in Rarotonga.

Clinton flew in last night at 9.30pm on her personal jet, one of four government C-32s, or a Boeing 757 fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks enabling it to fly about three hours longer than a regular 757.

She is breakfasting with other leaders at Trader Jack’s this morning and afterwards will attend the 24th post-forum dialogue partner’s meeting at the National Auditorium.

The US isn’t a Forum member, so will have to compete for attention with 13 other post-Forum dialogue partner states and observers, including China.

The two superpowers seem to be battling for supremacy within the region, with the Obama administration stepping up its involvement across the Pacific to offset China’s growing diplomatic and economic influence.

Global media are watching the struggle with interest.

AFP reported that Clinton is heading to Rarotonga to “renew clout” within the region, while the Los Angeles Times reports that China’s media are criticising Clinton’s visit as inappropriate – “complaining that American saber-rattling is disturbing a tranquil region”.

The Chinese Communist Party’s newspaper, the People’s Daily, believes the Pacific does not need security but investment and technology – something the US cannot offer them because of its financial woes, the article said.

Clinton will attend various other engagements around the island today.

She will also be addressing gender equality issues and US cooperation initiatives in the Pacific, and is intending to sign a tri-lateral agreement between the US, New Zealand and Australia.

Tomorrow Clinton is expected to take advantage of the good weather for some much needed rest and recuperation

Foreign Affairs protocol director Kaka Ama gave some advice to locals should they bump into Clinton at the Saturday morning markets.

“Although it is unlikely you’ll be able to waltz up to her because she’ll be surrounded by security, she is apparently a very approachable lady and you should treat her just like other leaders,” he said.

“Just be yourselves, be friendly, and show her the true Cook Islands spirit.”