Page 39 - IB November 2023

Regional Security
TWO-HEADED MONSTER, OR MYTH?

Continued from page 17 On the Alliance reframing Asia-Pacific as part of the US’s
wider Indo-Pacific strategy to construct an “integrated
China gives the Pacific geopolitical leverage they haven’t security theatre” for a maritime “super-region” supposedly
had for a generation. Certainly, if they act together, it does threatened by an increasingly assertive China, Wolfenden says
influence things in Canberra.” it is far from inevitable that the Pacific Islands will simply be
He cites Labour’s argument following the Solomons-China swept along in the US-Australian military agenda of which
security agreement last year, that the Scott Morrison- AUKUS (trilateral security partnership between Australia,
led Coalition had undermined regional security by being the United Kingdom, and the United States) forms a crucial
recalcitrant on the climate issue. aspect.
“They [Labour] themselves are making that argument and “Australia and the US still require political legitimacy
they see it as important to be taking action on climate to to pursue their ambitions in the region, both from Pacific
secure Australia’s place in the Pacific.” governments and Pacific peoples. There are clear examples
Morgan says Australian policymakers will need to work with from both Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea in recent months
island nations to develop shared diplomatic strategy so they that aggressive bilateral security engagements, especially
can reaffirm Australia’s place in the regional security order. those focused on military cooperation, do not have domestic
“Pacific Island diplomats have shaped multilateral climate political legitimacy.”
negotiations for decades, and they played a critically Dr Prasad notes that “Island states have said too many
important role securing the Paris Agreement. Island leaders times they will not be timid agents and leave the space open
have huge moral authority in global discussions on climate for others to define and shape the region - they will do so
change. By working with Pacific Island nations to co-host themselves.” He believes at the Forum leaders meeting in
the UN climate talks, Australia could broker a new round of Cook Islands, they will “take further steps in defining a Blue
global ambition to cut emissions. Doing so would help cement Pacific that is shaped by the region and not powers from
Australia’s place as a security partner of choice for Pacific outside the region.
Island nations, and at the same time reassure Washington that “This is a powerful narrative from Pacifics leaders. It
the Australia-US Alliance continues to underpin the regional shows the region coming of age; finding its voice; and being
security order in the Pacific.” confident in the international arena.”

Cautionary Notice in Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, Cook Islands and Timor-Leste
Notice is hereby given that Sandoz AG of Lichtstrasse 35, 4056 Basel, Switzerland is the sole proprietor in Micronesia, Marshall
Islands, Palau, Cook Islands and Timor-Leste of the following trade mark:
SANDOZ

Used in respect of
Class 1: Chemicals used in industry, science, agriculture, horticulture and forestry; manures; Chemicals for industry, science,
agriculture, horticulture, forestry, all being chemicals included in this class; manures natural and artificial; fire extinguishing
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for industrial use; and all other goods in this class.
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medical use, food for babies; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations
for destroying vermin; fungicides, herbicides. Dietetic products; baby food; and all other goods in this class.
Class 10: Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, suture materials.
Class 41: Education and training services in the field of medicine, health and personal care; entertainment services.
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Class 44: Medical services for humans and animals.
The proprietor claims all rights in respect of the above trade mark and will take all necessary legal steps against any person or
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DAVIES COLLISON CAVE PTY LTD
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Telephone: +61 3 9254 2777; Facsimile: +61 3 9254 2770
Email: nholmes@dcc.com

Islands Business, November 2023 39