The US ambassador to Australia,a member of America’s most storied political dynasty,has embraced everything from sausages and surfing to sheep and “shitboxes”.
Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Chris Hipkins issued their strongest joint statement to date on Beijing’s growing regional power.
In a bid to counter China’s growing power in the region,the US envisions hiring up to 40 staffers over the next five years for each of its four new embassies.
The two countries have signed nine new deals,including on police cooperation,as an upgrade of bilateral relations as leader Manasseh Sogavare visits Beijing.
After long days of talks,haggling and compromise,some progress was made in London as nations came together.
Despite the government’s vow to act on climate and strengthen ties with the Pacific,Australia has declined to back a plan to clean up global shipping.
Malaita premier Daniel Suidani had spoken out against Chinese investment and opposed a major security deal with Beijing.
The strong earthquake collapsed the roof of the Australian High Commission in Honiara. Staff are safe and officials trying to confirm the safety of other Australians.
Opposition Leader Mathew Wale said Australia was trying to “suck up” to Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and out-compete China for influence.
Solomon Islands and Kiribati,the two most recent nations to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing,are the greatest beneficiaries.
China had patiently and strategically set out to dominate the global technology space and its “politically motivated” misuse of that power had become an “increasingly urgent problem”.