politics
Prime Minister to Host Pacific Leaders in Brisbane for Security Talks
The prime minister will meet leaders from Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Samoa in Brisbane on Wednesday for regional security discussions. The meetings follow the signing of the Ocean of Peace Alliance with Fiji.
Jul 7, 5:11 PM·1m read2 sources
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The meetings come after the signing of the Ocean of Peace Alliance with Fiji. The prime minister returned to Australia after visits to Fiji and Solomon Islands.
A Liberal frontbencher said Australia needs stronger air and missile defence systems after China test-fired a nuclear-capable long-range missile on Monday. The missile flew over the exclusive economic zones of multiple Pacific nations and landed near Tuvalu and Nauru.
The prime minister described the test as destabilising and provocative. Other Pacific leaders also criticised the launch. A spokesperson for the federal government said it has been advised of a Telstra mobile network outage affecting some calls and connections.
The company is working to resolve the issue, the spokesperson said.
Minister Pat Conroy, representing Australia at a NATO defence ministers meeting in Turkiye, criticised China for supporting Russia. He said Australia condemns China's willingness to back Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. He said alliances and partnerships are essential for collective security.
