Since taking office in 2022, the Albanese government has stabilised Australia-China relations, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese holding his third formal meeting with Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit.  According to the post-summit media readout, both states reiterated their commitment to bilateral dialogue. They acknowledged the importance of building understanding on mutual issues, navigating differences wisely, and expanding areas of cooperation. 

Historically, Washington viewed BRICS as a fragmented bloc with limited geopolitical weight. However, the group’s recent expansion and efforts to challenge the US dollar’s dominance have drawn a sharp response from President Donald Trump, who has threatened tariffs on BRICS nations if they pursue de-dollarisation. Is this hardline stance merely a short-term pressure tactic, or does it signal a deeper shift in US foreign policy? 

Disinformation stories are used by foreign states as an attempt to influence opinions and framing of foreign policy in the Pacific. Learning from recent experiences in the Pacific Islands may help identify shifts in the online environment that will have domestic and international ramifications.