China’s Pacific own goal

By Oliver Nobetau*

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been on a hot streak of Pacific diplomacy. Over the past week, Australia has inked three pacts – the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu, the Ocean of Peace Alliance and the Vuvale Union, both with Fiji – which are reshaping the region’s security architecture. These positive developments have been overshadowed by a Chinese submarine test-firing a missile carrying a dummy warhead into Pacific waters(Opens in new window), which analysts say is a direct warning to Pacific countries(Opens in new window) and a reminder of the PLA’s reach and presence. (From: The Interpreter. The Lowy Institute.)