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With Beijing increasing its influence in the Pacific, Australia is focusing on the basic necessities: banking and labour mobility.
As host of this year’s meeting, New Zealand is playing a central role in shaping the future of Pacific security at a time of rising aggression from Beijing.
Australia has risen in the Lowy Institute’s annual Asia Power Index—but only because the influence of other states have fallen.
Despite misgivings by some countries as to how it will be perceived by Beijing, the Pacific Islands Forum has signed on to Australia’s Pacific Policing plan.
Rising sea levels and extreme weather events continue to occupy much of the debate at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Tonga.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister underscores the balancing act of navigating between its economic ties with China and its alliances with Western democracies.
China observers say the recent military operations are the result of Germany’s strategic change, moving away from its previous decades-long China policy.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles explained this would create the largest fleet since the end of World War II.
