Wong warns Pacific leaders against dangers of division over China

with China, warning regional disunity threatened stability and prosperity,

“As fellow members of the Pacific Family, our security and prosperity is truly a thing we achieve together, or not at all.”– which Pacific leaders see as the gravest threat facing their nations – saying previous governments had “neglected” their responsibilities. Senator Wong’s two-day dash to Suva clashes with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi embarking on his own trip to eight Pacific nations, armed with the draft agreement ahead of a foreign ministers meeting in Fiji on May 30.

The agreement has met resistance from Federated States of Micronesia President David Panuelo, who warned fellow leaders it would shift them “very close into Beijing’s orbit”. Former high commissioner to Fiji and Solomon Islands, James Batley, said the draft Chinese agreement should be taken seriously but was not a reason for panic.“It’s very clear evidence of China’s intent and intent to disrupt traditional relationships and patterns of behaviour,” Mr Batley said.

A regional security source said Papua New Guinea and Fiji would be unlikely to agree to the deal with elections looming but Samoa and Tonga could be tempted because both have major infrastructure plans but lack funding.But Grant Newsham, a senior research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies, said China had a high chance of getting a significant number of nations on board.

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Penny Wong laments Australia’s ‘lost decade’ in Pacific as China reportedly seeks new regional dealNewly appointed Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia wants to regain its position as 'the partner of choice in the Pacific', as China reportedly moves to seek its own region-wide deal to increase its influence: She may be Wong. But she may be Wight. king describe hat village steam Sounds like a plan, and not a reaction like our previous government
Source: SBSNews - 🏆 3. / 89 Read more »

Australia's 'intentions clear' as China pushes sweeping Pacific security dealPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has touched down to news of a fresh threat on Australia's doorstep. ElizaEdNews 9News MORE: ElizaEdNews I hope you’re laying this at the feet of the previous government. Their failures in the Pacific opened the door. ElizaEdNews Welcome home Anthony Albanese ElizaEdNews But when does Australian actually openly admit that China is our enemy? They're about to take over a group of islands right on our doorstep, and we're sitting here as if a visit from Penny Wong is going to change everything. Maybe put up a few more flags; that'll fix it.
Source: 9NewsAUS - 🏆 10. / 72 Read more »

China and Australia’s diplomatic tactics collide in the PacificBeijing, targeted by the Quad and AUKUS, distrusted by NATO, suspicious of ASEAN, and rejected by the G7, has made an art form of wooing individual states. auspol They look similar China lending countries billions to achieve their aims is not a diplomatic skill, it's loan sharking
Source: theage - 🏆 8. / 77 Read more »

Australia's 'intentions clear' as China pushes sweeping Pacific security dealAustralia has responded to China's push for 10 Pacific nations to sign a sweeping new security deal, as Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Beijing counterpart launch duelling diplomatic trips to the region. 9News I'm confused which 1 is Chinese? Finally a proper response from a responsible government. The sparse efforts of Morrison, Payne and her junior burger assistant were inept in comparison.
Source: 9NewsAUS - 🏆 10. / 72 Read more »

China has ‘enormous’ ambition to ‘wield influence’ across PacificWhile LNP were sleeping. No dramas. Penny will sort it all out!! sarcasmalert Multiple Pacific Island nations need trade deals. China is offering. Next offer?
Source: SkyNewsAust - 🏆 7. / 78 Read more »

Deal proposed by China would dramatically expand security influence in PacificLeaked copy of draft shows Beijing wants more involvement in policing, cybersecurity and marine mapping China has stepped into a vacuum of our making.
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »