According to Reuters on May 29th, Australian new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was focusing on enhancing diplomatic engagement with Pacific island states where CCP was pushing its influence and has had positive response from the heads of states. The CCP recently signed a so-called security pact with the Solomon Islands and sought to extend the agreements to other Pacific countries, which alarmed the U.S. and its allies.
Albanese spoke of his plans for the Pacific region, including a defense training school, support for maritime security, a boost in aid and re-engaging on climate change. According to the reports of the Sydney Morning Herald on May 29th, more than 100 Australian defense personnel would conduct a joint military exercise with Papua New Guinea and help them address cyber threats and organize a general election.
The new Australian foreign minister, Penny Wong, headed to the Pacific neighbors on May 26th for her first foreign trip. On May 28th, Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said he had a wonderful meeting with Penny Wong.
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