Report finds Australia’s ‘Pacific step-up’ could lack credibility if perceived to be only in response to China’s presence
The paper notes China is aware of the importance of Pacific relationships to Australia’s foreign policy “and it is making considerable effort to enhance its own relationships in the region, including opening a Climate and the Pacific Friendship Centre”.
It suggests that Australia should have an annual discussion within the Pacific, distinct from the Pacific Islands Forum, with a specific climate focus to be called a “1.5 Track Dialogue for 1.5 Degrees”.Sign up to receive the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning The policy paper suggests that Australia should also engage with Pacific island countries in the emerging debate calling for reparation for loss and damage caused by carbon emitters.urged to prove its commitment to climate actionThe foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has visited Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Solomon Islands in quick succession since being sworn in last month. She hasthe new government’s 43% emissions reduction target for 2030 and that Australia is listening to the region.