7am Australia's China contradiction: AUKUS vs the Pacific
Sep 24, 2025
Join Sam Roggeveen, the Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute, as he explores Australia's complex dance between diplomacy and defense. He breaks down key Pacific security deals with nations like Tuvalu and Vanuatu, stressing how climate change priorities complicate these agreements. Sam argues that while Australia’s efforts have deterred Chinese military presence, the AUKUS pact paradoxically heightens Chinese interest. Discover potential consequences if a Chinese base emerges and hear about the innovative 'Echidna Strategy' for Australia's defense.
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Australia's Pacific Security Push
- Australia is pursuing security pacts with Tuvalu, Nauru, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea to limit Chinese influence in the Pacific.
- These moves form part of a broader diplomatic push and increased aid since about 2018 to counter China's regional advances.
Climate Tops Pacific Priorities
- Pacific Island countries prioritise climate change and feel sidelined when great power politics dominates discussions.
- Rising sea levels and cyclones are their existential security concerns, not military basing debates.
Australia's Strategic Advantages
- Australia has structural advantages in the Pacific: proximity, cultural ties and migration/work schemes that China lacks.
- For Australia the region is a first-order priority, whereas for China it will likely remain secondary.
