Foreign Minister Penny Wong visits Pacific Islands Forum as new China deal looms

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has made a promise to the Pacific Islands nations as another security deal with China looms.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has promised Australia will be a partner to Pacific Islands nations “that doesn’t come with strings attached”.

Senator Wong spoke to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Fiji on Thursday where she said the region hadn’t faced more vexing circumstances in decades, citing the challenges of climate change, Covid-19 and strategic contests.

Senator Wong’s trip – her first visit to the Pacific after being sworn into her portfolio – comes as China proposes a sweeping security and economic deal with 10 Pacific Islands nations that would greatly expand Beijing’s influence in the region.

China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, has embarked on a marathon tour of the region in which he is due to visit eight countries in 10 days and discuss the agreement with Pacific leaders.

Asked about the potential deal by local journalists on Thursday, Senator Wong said such decisions were up to the governments of individual countries to make.

“I suppose, ultimately, Pacific Island nations will make their choices about what agreements or partnerships they engage in,” she said.

“What we would urge as Australia is a consideration of where a nation might wish to be in three or five or 10 years.

“I always think that’s a good way to approach big decisions. Think about where you might be in a decade.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong, with Henry Puna, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, in Suva. Picture: Pita Simpson / Getty Images

Senator Wong said Australia would continue to do “what we have done under both parties of government” and make substantial investments in the region on development and infrastructure.

Senator Wong had described the controversial security agreement between China and Solomon Islands – signed in the final months of the Morrison government – as Australia’s worst foreign policy blunder since World War II.

Setting up an implicit contrast between Canberra and Beijing, Senator Wong on Thursday promised to treat Pacific nations with respect.

“Our objective is (that) your independence and your own economic sustainability and prosperity don’t come with strings attached,” she said.

Senator Wong promised to treat climate change with greater seriousness than her predecessors under past Australian governments. Picture: Pita Simpson/Getty Images

Senator Wong also sought to contrast Labor and the Coalition, saying past Australian governments had ignored and disrespected Pacific nations on the “existential threat” of climate change.

“I understand that – under past governments – Australia has neglected its responsibility to act on climate change, ignoring the calls of our Pacific family to act, disrespecting Pacific nations in their struggle to adapt to what is an existential threat,” she said.

“I want to assure you that we have heard you … We understand that we need to work together like never before.”

Henry Puna, the secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum, congratulated Senator Wong on Labor’s election win and said Australia would be held accountable for its promises “in the days ahead”.