The Albanese government has been on an unprecedented campaign of diplomatic activism in the Pacific Islands – all to keep China’s military at a distance.

At the same time, AUKUS is remaking our defence strategy, with eight nuclear-powered submarines, expanded facilities for US forces, and plans for a new east-coast submarine base.

For some watching on, those two approaches are at odds – the diplomacy aims to prevent a Chinese foothold, while AUKUS gives them the exact reason why they need one.

Today, the director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute, Sam Roggeveen, on the contradiction at the heart of Australia’s Pacific policy – and whether there’s a safer way to defend our region.


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Guest: Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute, Sam Roggeveen.

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

The Albanese government has been on an unprecedented campaign of diplomatic activism in the Pacific Islands &ndash; all to keep China&rsquo;s military at a distance.
At the same time, AUKUS is remaking our defence strategy, with eight nuclear-powered submarines, expanded facilities for US forces, and plans for a new east-coast submarine base.
For some watching on, those two approaches are at odds &ndash; the diplomacy aims to prevent a Chinese foothold, while AUKUS gives them the exact reason why they need one.
Today, the director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute, Sam Roggeveen, on the contradiction at the heart of Australia&rsquo;s Pacific policy &ndash; and whether there&rsquo;s a safer way to defend our region.
 If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
 Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram
Guest: Director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute, Sam Roggeveen.
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

Australia's China contradiction: AUKUS vs the Pacific

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