Albanese strengthens Pacific ties amid China tensions
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted leaders from Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea in Brisbane, announcing a $250 million investment in Pacific school rugby league programs and strengthening military alliances amid China's growing regional presence. The diplomatic meetings occurred days after Beijing launched a missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead into the Pacific region. Australia has expanded its military alliances from two nations (New Zealand and the US since 1951) to now include Papua New Guinea and Fiji, with the Pukpuk agreement with PNG coming into force.See…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.