Anthony Albanese has stood firm on claims Australia’s climate policies pushed the Solomon Islands to ally itself with China. 

Mr Albanese last week appeared to suggest the security alliance could be attributed to Australia’s lack of action on climate change.

“Of course they have been poor,” Mr Albanese conceded on China’s own performance on emissions reduction.

“But Australia’s standing in the Pacific has also been undermined by a reduction in our presence in the Pacific.”

He told Neil Breen a lack of leadership from Australia made China a more lucrative partner for the Solomon Islands.

Neil Breen: “I don’t think China’s the one to help them there…

“Can I ask this question-”

Anthony Albanese: “No, I didn’t say they were but what China’s doing-”

Neil Breen: “Is giving them money!”

Anthony Albanese: “Of course they’re using money, of course they’re using money.

“But is Peter Dutton competing on that in order to have influence? No he’s not, no he’s not.

“And we’re also being undermined by making a joke about these nations in the Pacific, which Peter Dutton was a part of.”

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