The Prime Minister struck a blow at Morrison’s former government in the midst of a pledge to give more support and increase its commitment to the Pacific region in response to China’s growing dominance and Beijing’s plan to secure trade agreements. with ten island nations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to “intensify” talks with leaders of Pacific Island nations and offer more financial support amid China’s visit to the region this week in hopes of achieving more trade agreements.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and dozens of members of his delegation landed in the Solomon Islands overnight before the official signing of the Beijing-Honiara Security Association on Thursday morning.
In addition, Mr. Wang will seek an agreement with ten Pacific countries to provide police services, security, cyber support and a new China-Pacific free trade agreement that could see Beijing as the region most affected.
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Mr Albanese was questioned by Sky News Australia host Peter Stefanovic about reports of further agreements and whether Australia’s national security was under threat if more agreements were reached.
“We need to take a step back, not a step back, which is what happened under the old government,” he said in his first interview since returning from the Quad summit.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“This was the context for us to say (during the election) that we wanted an Australian Pacific training facility, that we wanted to take more steps to support island nations in maritime security, that we wanted 500 million additional dollars of aid to the Pacific.
“And that we wanted to work with the Pacific island nations on climate change, as well as facilitate the migration issues, whether temporary or permanent, of our Pacific Islander neighbors.”
The first step in establishing communication and a relationship under the Albanian government is to send newly elected Foreign Minister Penny Wong to Fiji on Thursday and other surrounding island nations in hopes of thwarting talks with the Albanian government. China.
She is ready to meet with Fiji Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Frank Bainimarama and Forum Secretary-General Henry Puna before delivering a speech on Australia’s commitment to re-strengthening relations with Fiji. the Pacific.
Albanese stressed that Australia had to respond to the “changed environment” and promised that his government would “complicate things more strongly with our neighbors”.
He then took a look at Morrison’s former government for not intervening earlier to avoid the Honiara-Beijing deal.
“It’s important that we take seriously the changing geostrategic environment of our region,” he said.
“That’s why last year I don’t understand how former Foreign Minister (Marise) Payne presented a presentation to increase aid. At the end of last year, we knew these things were happening. the councils were for foreign affairs and trade, and no action was taken. “
The Prime Minister noted that concerns about China were raised at this week’s Quad Leaders Summit with US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo.
“We know that China is looking to extend its influence to the region. During the election campaign, the agreement with the Solomon Islands was at the forefront,” Albanese said.
“But we know from the perspective of China that it is only the first in a series of agreements that they want to implement.”
He suggested that Australia was “paying a high price” after the aid budget was cut under the previous government.
A report by the Lowy Institute suggested that Australia’s spending on air in the Pacific increased by 24% between 2009 and 2019.
But he also found that funding in the Solomon Islands had declined from a high of $ 178 million in 2011 to $ 129 million in 2019.
“Is there often a debate about aid in some way, do you want money for something nationally or do you want foreign aid?” said the prime minister.
“The truth is that international aid is not only right for developing countries, but it is in our national interest to participate and support developing nations.”
Albanese promised to offer more support to the region and commit to the leader and officials to build a strong relationship.
“Parliamentary exchanges have been cut. Malcolm Turnbull had it in place, but it has been cut in recent times, we need to step up, not cut,” he added.
He stressed that it was important for governments to respect the sovereignty of the nations of the Pacific islands.