Penny Wong’s Pacific scorecard

With Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the helm of foreign policy, the Albanese government has set a strong standard for rebuilding diplomatic ties with Australia’s nearest neighbors in the South Pacific.

Keeping everyone in the Pacific tent

A last-minute agreement has avoided rupture in the Pacific Islands Forum, but as the agreement was negotiated both regional strengths and vulnerabilities were revealed.

Pacific resilience tested in 2021

The resilience of Pacific Island Nations and the resolve of their communities were tested on numerous fronts in 2021, but overall a range of heath, geo-political and environmental challenges have been faced with some success.

Tough choices on COVID-19 in the Pacific

Many Pacific island countries are COVID-19-free thanks to the swift and decisive actions of governments in closing borders early and keeping them firmly shut but the danger is not over yet so there is no room for complacency.

A turbulent year in Pacific politics

After decades of neglect, the Pacific region has been ‘rediscovered’ by strategists in Australia, the United States and elsewhere as the military threat and economic reality of China continues to grow.