Australia appeals to Pacific countries to unite given China's threat -

Canberra / Suva: ‘The Pacific countries need to unite to tackle the shared challenges that stand in the way of security. Only if we come together can these challenges be overcome,’ said Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Despite avoiding an open mention, Australia’s Foreign Minister seems to have drawn the attention of Pacific countries to China’s threat.

A special meeting of 18 Pacific island countries is being held in Suva, the capital of Fiji. For this, the heads of state of the Pacific island countries will be present. The meeting will be utilised to discuss challenges in this area and enhance mutual cooperation. It is claimed that the meeting, held under the influence of Australia and New Zealand, is anti-China.

The island country Kiribati withdrew from the meeting two days ago. Kiribati is known as the Pacific island country under China’s influence. A few months ago, Pacific island countries Kiribati and Solomon Islands refused to recognise Taiwan, accepting China’s ‘One China Policy’. Australia had also accused the Solomon Islands of establishing military cooperation with China. Australia has said the cooperation poses a direct threat to its security.

Against this background, Australia has initiated steps to keep the Pacific island countries out of China’s influence. The Pacific island countries’ meeting in Fiji is also part of this effort. But Kiribati’s withdrawal from the meeting is claimed to be a setback to Australia’s efforts to unite the Pacific islands against China. Australia’s foreign minister said that the doors are open for Kiribati to join the Pacific island countries’ alliance.

Meanwhile, Australia is increasing its defence preparedness to challenge China’s influence in the Pacific. Against this backdrop, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles had recently visited the United States. Defence Minister Marles also asserted that Australia would not be a mere spectator as China’s military power in the Indo-Pacific region is growing. The Australian Defence Minister also announced that Australia will be forming a front in this region with the help of the United States.