Australia Pacific policy

The donation serves immediate needs, but also dovetails with Australia broader program of engagement with the Pacific.

COVID-19 has highlighted the reactive nature of Australia's approach to digital infrastructure development in the region.

Australia can't, and shouldn't, compete directly with China on the funding of hard infrastructure.

Despite the reality of the threat posed by climate change, Australia is a significant part of the failure to adequately address it. That has growing diplomatic costs.

Canberra's funding commitments are beginning to catch up to its concerns about China's growing influence in its neighborhood.

The Australian government would likely be very wary of such a development, should it occur. 

Diminishing Canberra's presence in Southeast Asia to reinforce its goals in the South Pacific is a trade-off with a significant cost. 

The Pacific Islands Forum ended with island leaders frustrated – and furious – over Australia's intransigence on coal.

In the Pacific, climate change is an existential threat. Australia’s domestic unease on the issue hinders its foreign policy.