Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the security of Pacific islands needs to remain in the hands of the region, as China tries to muscle its way in.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong meets with ministers in Tonga where she reaffirmed the strength of bilateral and regional ties.
China wasn't specifically mentioned during Senator Wong's 20-minute press conference but she spoke of prioritising regional security partners over external agreements. The foreign minister says she has received correspondence from her Chinese counterpart following her election and would respond in due course as appropriate.
Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku thanked the new Australian government for its stronger stance on climate change and developmental assistance." see where we are able to work together and how support or assistance can be structured," she said."We see it in our interests and part of our responsibility as a member of the Pacific family to work with you and that's the approach we'll take.
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