2022 Year in Review

led calls for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.
While Albanese was adamant he was far from backing down on Australia’s commitment
to Taiwan’s freedom, human rights, and China’s actions in the South China Sea, the
resumption of high level communication suggests there may be a way forward for the two
countries who share strong historical and economic bonds.
A RENEWED COMMITMENT TO LEADERSHIP
The Solomon Islands’ security deal with China, an island which lies less than 2000 km
from Australia, sparked a wave of shock and outrage. As the geopolitical struggle in the
region between the world’s two major powers of the USA and China continues into the
21st century, Australia is expected to play an increasingly important regional role. The
Solomon Islands pivot away from Australia indicated one of the greatest foreign policy
blunders in Australia’s history.
Yet we shouldn’t be completely surprised. Under the previous Government, Australia
shied away from taking global leadership. Australia’s refusal to play ball on climate
targets, not only earnt the Government the reputation as a global pariah, alongside
nations such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, but also contributed to greater
disenfranchisement within the Pacific. Pacific nations are already bearing the greatest
brunt of climate change. For a major strategic ally and geopolitical neighbour to be not
only unwilling but appear actively against greater action on climate change was greatly
upsetting.
As a result, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Albanese have set about reassuring
the world that this Government is different. It took Wong less than two weeks before
jetting to the islands of the Pacific.
That a senior Government official
saw the region as a priority,
compared to the previous
Government who sent a junior
Senator, Zed Seselja, goes a long
way to reassuring the Island
states.
“ASLEEP AT THE
WHEEL.”
A B C ’ s G l o b a l A f f a i r s E d i t o r , J o h n L y o n s ,
o n A u s t r a l i a ’ s p o l i c y t o w a r d s t h e P a c i f i c
u n d e r M o r r i s o n .
P A G E 3 5
P H O T O : G E T T Y I M A G E S