Albanese Jokes About Pacific Policing Initiative

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has come under scrutiny after being filmed joking with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell about sharing the costs of the newly announced Pacific Policing Initiative, which aims to enhance policing across the Pacific region. The initiative, launched in Tonga, has a budget of $400 million over five years, with Australia taking the lead. Campbell indicated that the US had previously considered a similar initiative but was advised by Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd not to proceed. Albanese dismissed the notion of US financial contribution, emphasizing that the initiative originated from the Pacific nations themselves. He expressed irritation when questioned about the private conversation, suggesting the journalist's recording was unethical. The incident adds to the ongoing discussions regarding Australia and the US's roles in the Pacific amid growing geopolitical tensions with China.