So as we just heard from Mara, a lot of deals were at stake during this trip. Many countries in the region have been unhappy about how the Trump administration has handled their partnerships. You know, you're out of government now, but you're still working on Asia issues. Does this matter? Is there any indication that this unhappiness is going to - is there going to be any pushback to the president's demands?
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
Australia has failed to secure a defence treaty with Papua New Guinea (PNG) that would have seen their militaries commit to defending each other in the case of an armed attack. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape signed a defence communique in the capital Port Moresby on Wednesday instead of the anticipated mutual defence treaty. The wording has been agreed to.
Climate change, rising seas and China's push for influence are set to dominate talks at the Pacific Islands Forum in Solomon Islands this week, in a meeting already marked by geopolitical tensions. The lead up to the forum has already been fraught with tensions after Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele excluded external partners including China, the US and Taiwan from discussions.