Pacific Forum in Crisis: China Shadows, Leadership Exodus, and AUKUS on the Sidelines

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, but the summit is already in chaos. Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale was forced back home after a no-confidence motion, while leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Kiribati have pulled out at the last minute. The official agenda focuses on climate and security, but the real story is the diplomatic implosion.

Off the Record

Behind the scenes, Beijing is suspected of...