Full Story Newsroom edition: Albanese gears up for a tricky Trump test
Sep 18, 2025
Mike Ticher, head of the Guardian's newsroom, and Tom McIlroy, political editor, dive into the challenges facing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his Pacific trip and upcoming meeting with Donald Trump. They discuss the stalled defense agreements with Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu amid China's growing influence. The conversation highlights the delicate balancing act of maintaining regional ties while managing domestic political implications, showcasing Australia’s efforts in soft power through sports and climate engagement.
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High-Profile Pacific Deals Fell Through
- Anthony Albanese travelled to Port Moresby expecting to sign a major defence treaty with PNG but the agreement was not ready at the last minute.
- The trip also saw a separately touted Vanuatu deal fail to be signed, leaving the mission with only brief communiqués.
China Shapes Pacific Negotiations
- China is the underlying strategic factor shaping Pacific diplomacy and causing delays in deals with Australia.
- Beijing's expansion through loans and infrastructure makes it harder for Australia to secure quick formal alignments.
Pacific Diplomacy Demands Patience
- Experts expect Pacific defence agreements to eventually pass but caution the Pacific way requires more time and repeated engagement.
- Australian media and politics often expect faster results than regional diplomacy naturally delivers.
