Glasgow confirms Australia’s South Pacific influence has never been weaker, and China’s never stronger

You would expect that Pacific Leaders would be criticising President XI for ignoring Glasgow – and not making the commitments they have demanded of Australia. Silence! Not one Pacific leader has done so!

There can be only one reason for that. China through its strident diplomacy in the region, and more importantly through the conditions it attaches to Belt and Road funding, has bought the silence of our regional neighbours, while undoubtedly encouraged by China, they have turned "attacking Australia" into the Pacific's new sport!

I rest my case on our diminished influence in our immediate region – and China's real and growing influence by comparison.

Our whole strategic approach to our region needs urgent and massive overhaul. We need to stop just handing over cash and focus on revitalised people-to-people engagement, encouraging Australian business to invest more in our region (in partnerships with local businesses in particular) and build relationships with churches, women's groups, sporting organisations and NGOs such as the cause I proudly support, YWAM.

The silence from Pacific leaders when it comes to China effectively thumbing its nose at their so-called number one priority – climate change and its alleged impacts – simply illustrates just much ground we have lost, and frankly are continuing to lose.

It is time to begin turning that around. The task is herculean, and the longer we dither and delay our response the more herculean it will be!