Australia’s newly elected Labor government has come to power in the midst of a struggle for power and influence in the Pacific. It is desperate to smooth over the diplomatic damage done by the previous government, which was seen as condescending and cruel by Pacific leaders.

Days after the election, new foreign minister Penny Wong was sent on an urgent trip to Fiji to try to defend Australia’s role in the Pacific region. Timed to coincide with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s presence at a China-Pacific diplomatic summit, Wong’s main speech was filled with not-so-subtle allusions to battles over spheres of influence.

Wong argued that the climate crisis and strategic contest were the key challenges for the region, and placed the blame for deteriorating Australia-Pacific relations firmly on the previous government’s “disrespect.” Seeking to regain an Australian position of dominance in the region, she promised that her country is “a partner that doesn’t come with strings attached.” She also warned that there would be consequences for Pacific nations that make deals with rival regional powers.