Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said China is increasingly extending its military reach deeper into the Pacific, warning in a Tuesday speech in Canberra that the strategic landscape around Australia is becoming more competitive. Wong noted that China is expanding its economic and security influence and stepping up military activity in the region, often without the level of transparency expected by neighbouring countries. She stressed that the stability and prosperity of South Pacific nations rely on cooperation and collective action.

She said regional unity, particularly through the Pacific Islands Forum, helps smaller and mid-sized nations balance power imbalances and maintain their ability to resist external pressure. Wong also referenced the A$20 billion in trade restrictions China imposed on Australia between 2020 and 2023, saying Australia has long warned Pacific nations about the risks of economic coercion as they deepen their ties with Beijing.

As Australia seeks stronger security and economic partnerships across the Pacific, she acknowledged that external powers’ growing engagement is reshaping the region and that Australia now faces a constant contest for influence. Australia, she added, can no longer assume it is the sole preferred partner for Pacific nations.

Currently, eleven Pacific Island nations recognise Beijing, with several—such as Tonga—carrying substantial debt to Chinese state banks, while three maintain ties with Taiwan. Despite global uncertainty in development funding, Wong said Australia continues to be a dependable partner, pledging A$2.2 billion in development assistance and A$1.3 billion in climate finance to Pacific countries. China’s Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, stated last year that China’s activities in the Pacific are not part of a military strategy and should not be seen as a threat.