Power struggle with China and regional rift in focus as Anthony Albanese heads to Pacific Islands forum

Absence of Kiribati from the meeting is really devastating' to the body's long-term strategy, security expert says

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When Anthony Albanese touches down in Suva on Wednesday to attend his first Pacific Islands Forum, he will be walking in to a regional meeting that is putting on a brave face.

While it had been thought that the forum would be focused on the growing influence of China and as an opportunity for Australia to showcase its new climate credentials, Albanese will arrive to a group wrestling with other problems.