Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to seal a major new security pact with Fiji on Monday, the first move in a three-day diplomatic blitz aimed at boosting regional ties and countering China’s influence in the Pacific.
Albanese was due to land in Suva on Sunday night to sign the new “Vuvale Union” with Fijian prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who leads one of the Pacific’s most populous nations. He will then head to the Solomon Islands on Tuesday to drive forward negotiations on a new comprehensive treaty with recently elected prime minister Matthew Wale.
Wale, who is also chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, last month vowed to review the country’s controversial security agreement with China and promised a “reset” in the relationship with Australia after years of tension and distrust.
Albanese’s round of Pacific security talks will continue on Wednesday when the leaders of Papua New Guinea and Tonga visit Brisbane for the State of Origin decider. Ahead of the match, Albanese will hold bilateral meetings with each of the leaders to discuss regional security, trade and economic growth.
“This important series of meetings in Brisbane comes at a time where we are working closely with our Pacific family on the issues that matter to our region,” the prime minister said in a statement.
The round of meetings comes as the government seeks to boost its standing in the Pacific as Australian officials warn the country is facing a “diplomatic knife fight” with China in the region.
The agreement with Fiji will add to pacts the government has already struck with Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Nauru and Papua New Guinea since returning to office in 2022. Australia has sought to use these agreements to limit Pacific nations’ ability to partner with China on critical infrastructure projects, such as ports and airports, in exchange for financial support and expanded access to visas in Australia.
The most recent treaty, the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu, was signed in Canberra last week after a 10-month delay. Under the $500 million agreement, China will be blocked from establishing a military base in the country, although the original wording was softened because of fears it would limit Vanuatu’s economic ties with Beijing.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett will also take up the issue of Pacific security during a visit to the United Nations this week, where she will speak at forums alongside three Pacific police chiefs to outline a proposal for a new regional bloc.
“One of my priorities is to champion the views and role of Pacific Island Police Chiefs, who want a greater say at global forums about security and safety matters that concern their region,” Barrett said.
“A decision will also be made by Pacific chiefs of police in October about whether they will agree to a new bloc, PACPOL. This will allow them to collectively establish priorities, with one voice at global and regional forums.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Australia at the end of the week, with the aim of unlocking a flood of uranium imports and boosting defence ties with Australia in a move that will be closely watched by China.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Natassia Chrysanthos is Federal Political Correspondent. She has previously reported on immigration, health, social issues and the NDIS from Parliament House in Canberra.Connect via X or email.From our partners
Discover more from PressNewsAgency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.