Never been more important to grasp the lessons of history

History is often invoked regarding events of the present, with the catch cry “on the right side of history” increasingly used to defend decisions or behaviours others may question or condemn. It’s a catch cry Manasseh Sogavare has recently employed over his signing of a security pact with China.

However, there is another history catch cry – Mark Twain’s “history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes”.

If Sogavare were to pay heed, he may notice a certain “rhyming” should he allow Chinese troops into his nation to “protect” the interests of Chinese-financed “sustainable development and economic growth”, and India allowing the British East India Company’s private army, of Indian and British troops, to provide security for its economic interests – thus facilitating British colonisation of much of the subcontinent.

Arguably, an historical “rhyme” is occurring in the Pacific, with the PRC version of the British Raj being birthed, courtesy of Sogavare.

Deborah Morrison, Malvern East, Vic

I am amazed at the hypocrisy and arrogance of the hullabaloo against the Solomon Islands’ signing of security treaty with China (“PM’s ‘red line’ on China base”, 25/4). The treaty has been labelled as a “secret deal”. Our leaders lamented not being consulted on this matter and scrambled to ask the Solomon Islands to reverse its decision.

Isn’t this a blatant interference of the politics of another nation that we have always accused other nations of doing? We are treating the Solomon Islands as a lesser vassal state.

Had we ever consulted our Asian and Pacific neighbours before inviting the US to establish military bases on our soil, their “doorstep”? Did we consult them before purchasing nuclear-powered submarines? We did not even consult France.

Francis Lee, Zetland, NSW

Peter Dutton rightfully reminds us that we must be vigilant and prepare ourselves to defend that which we cherish (“Australians must prepare for war”, 25/4).

Chinese expansion in our region underlines the threat and Dutton speaks home truths, but should we have not equipped our defence forces much earlier? In order to retain peace sometimes we must fight for it.

Tim Abrams, Beecroft, NSW

I do not always agree with Greg Sheridan but he is on the mark when he says Scott Morrison’s “red line” threat to China risks making this country look quite silly (“Memo to PM: this bluster will leave us with egg on our face”, 25/4). Sheridan has been arguing for months that our defences are woefully inadequate with outdated submarines, few missiles and no drones in our possession at all. He sums it up well with the sentence “we are very good at bluster and grand announcements of initiatives that will not take physical shape for decades; we are extremely poor at actually doing anything”. Does the Prime Minister think Australians are totally stupid?

Frank Carroll, Moorooka, Qld

Anzac Day is important to recognise the sacrifice of all those who paid the ultimate price, and those whose lives were turned upside down forever as a result of war.

However, the important part of Anzac Day should be that we commit to learning from the horror of war so that these catastrophic events do not happen again.

Unfortunately, we still have conflicts around the world and are being horrified by the events in Ukraine. Unfortunate also is that the traditional sabre rattling of leaders around the world seems to be the “go to” response to any clash of ideas or culture.

What we need is an army of peace makers, not guns and military might. Skilled diplomats and negotiators who can take the heat out of the world’s tense situations without the need to threaten violent retribution on countries or groups that have a different point of view.

Anzac Day should remind us that war is not the solution to disagreements between nations. Only then will we stop the ever growing lists of soldiers and civilians affected by war.

Graeme Lechte, Brunswick West, Vic

Peter Dutton says Australia must prepare for war. Can he please pass the message to the Defence Department.

Paul Everingham, Hamilton, Qld