Australia, New Zealand unite on China’s Pacific threat
New Zealand Prime Miner Jacinda Ardern became the first foreign leader to visit Prime Miner Anthony Albanese in Australia since he was elected on May 21. Both lead centre-left adminrations and Ardern described the Albanese Labor Party’s election after almost a decade in opposition as a reset in the bilateral relationship.
Australia, New Zealand and the United States have voiced concerns that a new Beijing security pact with the Solomon Islands could result in a Chinese military base being established there. The Solomons and China have both denied that that will happen.
Asked if Australia wants New Zealand to do more to counter China’s rise in the Pacific, Albanese told reporters in Sydney: “We’re in lockstep on the Pacific.” “I look forward to working with Prime Miner Ardern, working with our democratic neighbours,” Albanese said.Best of Express PremiumPremiumPremiumPremiumPremium
Albanese and his Foreign Miner Penny Wong flew to Tokyo within hours of being sworn into office for a meeting with US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Miner Fumio Kishida and Indian Prime Miner Narendra Modi to discuss the regional security threat posed China.
New Zealand and Australia share a uniquely close bond. It was great to meet with 🇳🇿 Prime Miner @JacindaArdern to discuss shared perspectives on our region, how to broaden our collaboration and deepen the ties between our nations. pic.twitter.com/xzSUAuTwpL
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) June 10, 2022
Wong then flew from Japan to the Pacific islands for meetings with government leaders while China’s Foreign Miner Wang Yi also embarked on a Pacific tour.
Wang failed in a bold Chinese plan to get 10 Pacific nations to endorse a sweeping new agreement that would have covered everything from security to fisheries. But he succeeded in clinching several bilateral agreements.
Ardern said many countries had chosen to continue economic relationships with China rather than sign security agreements.
“Let’s hear from the Pacific on these issues,” Ardern said.
Australia and New Zealand are ready to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year, with games being played in both countries. Go @TheMatildas! pic.twitter.com/a0gVxw3m2Y
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) June 10, 2022
Albanese said Australia, the biggest foreign aid donor in the region, was being taken seriously its neighbours since his adminration promised greater action on greenhouse gas emissions. Many of the low-lying Pacific islands consider climate change their most pressing and exential threat.
The previous government had committed to reducing Australia’s emissions 26 per cent to 28 per cent below 2005 levels 2030. Albanese’s government has promised a 43 per cent reduction.
New Zealand was heartened Australia’s greater ambition, Ardern said. New Zealand’s target the end of the decade is 30 per cent.
“The Pacific region has led climate change as its number one threat,” Ardern said. “I know with regards to New Zealand we have a lot more to do, but we welcome being joined on that journey Australia.
