Albanese insists Pacific leaders have welcomed Labor’s updated targets but in private meetings, regional envoys have urged the government to do more.
Anthony Albanese is facing his first major international test as prime minister as he attempts to negotiate with Solomon Islands, sell a climate package and convince Pacific leaders that Australia will remain a valuable security partner in the region.
“Islands in the Pacific are going under, Australia should be taking the lead. It should be more ambitious,” Whipps said. “The most vulnerable nations are in the Pacific. If they are going to be a host, let’s set that target at 50 per cent.” Climate is becoming a key strategic battle with China at the forum, as Australia pushes for more pressure to be put on Beijing as the world’s largest emitter.That tension is also playing out across the security and economic front after the withdrawal of Kiribati - the next potential regional partner for Beijing after securing a controversial security deal with the Solomons. In Fiji, the new navy headquarters will also house a rescue coordination centre and coastal radio station.
“I will have respectful discussions that put forward Australia’s position,” he said. “It means that I will be honest, develop a relationship with trust and that means not necessarily agreeing with each other the whole time, but means being able to have an open dialogue.” Despite the relatively warm 15-minute meeting, Australian officials remain wary of Sogavare’s intentions after he called for a permanent Chinese police presence in the Solomons and confirmed Beijing would be given the power to protect its commercial investments. Sogavare has not held a press conference since he arrived in Suva on Tuesday and declined to answer questions from the media as he entered the meeting with Albanese on Wednesday.
“We’re intent on rebuilding that relationship to ensure that Australia is the security partner choice for the Pacific as well as the partner of choice on development, on climate on all those issues.”
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