These days, Australian foreign and security policy seems as much driven by politics as it is by the national interest. The Albanese government’s initial enthusiasm for active diplomacy in the South Pacific was laudable. The incursion of China into the region’s security environment and the recent riots in Papua New Guinea are a stark reminder that Australia needs to be constantly engaged with the region.

It has also made sense for the government to have embraced the change of diplomatic tactics by China. Its bullying of Australia as part of its aggressive wolf warrior diplomatic foray proved a disaster. Not only did Australia refuse to be cowed by China, but China’s diplomatic and even military aggression led to the consolidation of the Quad and the development of initiatives such as AUKUS.