This week has shown Australia’s partners have come to understand they cannot leave it to Australia alone to carry the democratic standard in the Pacific.
Recently, The Guardian revealed its links to slavery and the cane fields – but less well-known is The Sydney Morning Herald’s links to sugar and the slave trade.
Mangrove forests on Pohnpei are archives of sea-level change.
Juliet Sefton
A new analysis of deep soil sediments accumulated in the mangroves of Pohnpei and Kosrae islands reveals a potentially different history of human arrival in this oceanic region.
This year’s talks had a noticeable shift of tone, reflecting the new Australian government. They include an emphasis on climate action and an invitation to Japan.
Nick Kelly, Queensland University of Technology et Marcus Foth, Queensland University of Technology
Rising sea levels due to climate change are already having severe impacts on the nation of Tuvalu. It proposes to build a digital replica of itself in the metaverse. Could it be done?
The prime minister’s visit comes after a fractious year between the two countries, including tensions over China’s role in the Pacific and the postponed election in Solomon Islands.
For centuries, Pacific Islands have been raided by mining interests with little to show for it. Harnessing their enormous green mineral wealth must be done justly.
For Pacific Islands, climate change trumps all other threats to their security. While they welcome Australia’s new emission targets, this is an issue of survival that demands greater ambition.
This week, Austalia began a climate pivot on its relationship with the region. Fossil fuels are out and exporting green energy and green manufacturing techniques are in.
China’s president Xi Jingping has brokered numerous relationships with African nations during his years in office.
Yao Dawei/Xinhua/Alamy Live News
While Australia worries about Chinese influence, Pacific nations are more worried about climate change. By boosting climate ambition, Australia could be the region’s security partner of choice.
Australians should accept that Pacific island countries will engage with other countries, and instead recognise the gaps in our defence, development and diplomatic relationships with the region.
Faculty Member, Asian Studies Program, Georgetown University; Visiting Fellow, Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National University., Georgetown University