Penny Wong tells Pacific nations ‘we have heard you’ as Australia and China battle for influence

Foreign minister uses speech in Fiji to declare this is a different Australian government' that will act responsibly on climate change

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The new foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has promised to treat Pacific island countries with respect, telling an audience in Fiji that Australia is a partner that doesn't come with strings attached" and won't impose unsustainable financial burdens".

Wong promised to respect Pacific priorities and institutions as she set out an implicit contrast with China, which is pursuing a sweeping regional economic and security deal with Pacific nations that would dramatically expand Beijing's influence and reach into those countries.