Pacific diplomacy
US signs new security pact with PNG amid competition with China
The defence and maritime surveillance agreement will help improve regional stability and enhance the PNG’s defence force capability.
- by Kirsty Needham and Nick Perry
Latest
White House reporters stuck with $37,000 bill after Biden cancels trip to Australia
As Biden cancels his Sydney trip, some correspondents predict the cost would prompt media bosses to pull back from covering the president’s overseas tours.
- by Paul Farhi
Pacific pressure: Island leaders say security ties at risk unless Australia does more to cut emissions
A group of Pacific leaders are threatening to “upend the chessboard” while Australia plays strategy with China in the region while not addressing climate change.
- by Mike Foley
Joe Biden jets off for Japan, reassures on Quad and Pacific Islands
Biden rejected suggestions that cancelling part of his trip was a win for Beijing, noting “we still have four good allies” in the form of the Quad alliance.
- by Farrah Tomazin
Australia invests to counter China’s influence in the Pacific
China’s security pact with Solomon Islands alarmed policymakers and entrenched the belief that Australia needs to do more in the Pacific.
- by Matthew Knott
When Biden met Bongbong: Allies closer amid China’s ‘provocations’
The US has given the Philippines an ironclad commitment to defend the country as it faces growing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
- by Farrah Tomazin
Broken migration system undermines Australia’s regional clout
Visa delays, red tape and other barriers to travel “undermine Australia’s influence”, according to a damning new review of the country’s migration system.
- by Angus Thompson
Opinion
For subscribers
The big idea floated by a tiny nation that could be a winner all round
Samoa’s prime minister has proposed that Australia and New Zealand work with Pacific islands nations to create a European Union-style bloc.
- by Peter Hartcher
Pacific leader calls for European Union-style free movement across the region
Samoa’s Prime Minister said her “very contentious” idea should be discussed, downplaying concerns it would lead to an influx of Pacific Islanders into Australia and New Zealand.
- by Matthew Knott
Islands in the scheme: Fiji signals support for AUKUS subs
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made sure to stop over in Fiji on his return from the AUKUS launch for some ceremonial kava.
- by David Crowe
Analysis
AUKUS
Australia signs up for the United States’ arms race with China
Australia has tied its colours to America’s increasingly hawkish mast as the superpower navigates the choppy waters of the Indo-Pacific.
- by Farrah Tomazin