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Pacific diplomacy

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The fight between France and Vanuatu over two uninhabitable islands in the Pacific could have global implications.

A David v Goliath battle to decide the fate of islands of the ‘resting God’

A diplomatic stoush between Vanuatu and France over two uninhabitable islands could have global implications.

  • Ben Bohane

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Solomon Islands’ new prime minister Matthew Wale (left) in Honiara in 2024.

Albanese launches bid for ambitious Solomon Islands treaty to counter China

Anthony Albanese will seek to capitalise on the election of a new Australia-friendly Solomon Islands leader by launching talks on a new treaty agreement.

  • Matthew Knott
Solomon Islands’ new prime minister Matthew Wale (left) in Honiara in 2024.

The Solomons’ surprise new leader is a win for Australia, but the China challenge remains

Australian officials from the prime minister down will be relieved – and even delighted – by Matthew Wale’s victory, but they cannot afford to be relaxed.

  • Matthew Knott
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in Canberra in 2024.

A Pacific PM has been toppled. Australia will be watching what happens next

The Solomon Islands is one of Australia’s most important allies in the region, but an economic downturn has claimed another leader.

  • Ed Cavanough
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Diplomatic measures bear fruit

And smartphones push our buttons.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travelled to Vanuatu last year but left without signing a 10-year security pact.

China accused of using diplomatic theft to freeze Australia out in Pacific

China is intensifying its efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific and stymie a $500 million treaty deal between Australia and Vanuatu.

  • Matthew Knott
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Anthony Albanese, a South Sydney Rabbitohs fan, has used the NRL as a diplomatic lever in the Pacific.

Pacific leaders lobby Australia for rugby cash splash after NRL deal

The $150 million sports diplomacy deal is being sought by Fiji, Tonga and Samoa as the Albanese government bankrolls rugby league in the region to counter China.

  • Chris Barrett and Iain Payten
The Ile d’Yeu ship laying undersea cable off the coast near Maroubra.

Two huge ships are floating off the coast of Sydney. This is what they’re doing

One of the ships will be gone within 24 hours. What they leave behind could be vital for Australia’s future.

  • Jack Gramenz

Trump has just sacked 30 ambassadors. The consequences for Australia are profound

In the past year, we have seen a wholesale change in how American power works, and these ambassadorial changes are an emblem of the president’s foreign policy.

  • Cory Alpert
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the flight deck of HMAS Canberra in Sydney, where they announced a defence pact last week.

As the Coalition self-immolates, Albanese strides the world stage

One of the challenges for an Australian prime minister is getting the Indonesians interested. And Prabowo Subianto is interested.

  • Zach Hope