The first Pacific Banking Forum in July 2024 sought to enhance banking relationships in the Pacific but faced challenges, notably excluding Chinese participants. Efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese banking influence in the region are complicated by the significant economic ties between Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and China, highlighting the strategic and economic dilemmas inherent in shaping regional banking policies.

This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese Joins PMs from Canada and New Zealand in statement on Gaza; Wong launches Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre; Wong in Tokyo for Quad Ministers Meeting; World Day against Trafficking in Persons, and more.

North Korean escapee arrivals to South Korea are at their lowest in over two decades, and they continue to face challenges with integrating into their new home. However, rising numbers of success stories prove the remarkable resilience and adaptability of this unique population.  

Helen Fry's book sheds light on the untold stories of women who defied barriers to excel in intelligence roles during the early to mid-20th century, challenging the male-dominated myths of espionage. Fry highlights the bravery, ingenuity, and resilience of these women, emphasising their significant but often overlooked contributions to intelligence work.

As the general elections in India were underway from April to June 2024, the country was also grappling with severe heatwaves, highlighting the critical need for effective climate policies. As the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India’s climate strategy is at a critical juncture, balancing ambitious international commitments and domestic imperatives.

Reducing Chinese influence in Indonesia's nickel industry, crucial to the EV supply chain, poses significant challenges to the country's battery-grade nickel production. This move could deter future Chinese investments and diminish essential technology transfers, impacting Indonesia's competitiveness in the global clean energy market.

There’s a defence Artificial Intelligence (AI) race underway. This effort across 25 countries ranging from the giant to the very small is detailed in a new open-access publication, The Very Long Game, on which this post draws. I wrote the Australian chapter.

Young people in the Pacific want to be active, positive partners contributing to their communities. If Australia is genuine about partnering with the region to see a thriving Blue Pacific, the perspectives of young people must be thoroughly understood and considered, and opportunities for youth to contribute to decision-making must be encouraged.

Australia is recognised as a leader in implementing comprehensive biosecurity measures, as outlined in the Australian Biosecurity Act 2015 and the National Biosecurity Strategy Implementation Plan 2022-2032. Despite their proactive approach, these efforts face challenges due to insufficient funding, which threatens the effectiveness of their protective measures against invasive species and diseases.

Australia must awaken a spirit of enquiry and zest about our region and the belief that out destiny as a nation rests there.