The political survivor whose next move could decide the Pacific’s security future

September 7, 2026 — 5:29pm

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Solomon Islands counterpart Matthew Wale will move to fast-track a sweeping new treaty after a push to overthrow Wale’s pro-Australia government imploded in a blow to Beijing’s ambitions to expand its influence in the Pacific.

Wale’s success at fending off the attempt to overthrow him came as an immense relief to Albanese and foreign affairs officials in Canberra, who see him as one of Australia’s most important allies in the region.

In Beijing, it’s an altogether different story. Xi Jinping’s foot soldiers will be lamenting a lost opportunity to install a pro-China leader in Honiara, just 2000 kilometres from the Australian mainland.

The start of last week’s Pacific Islands Forum in Palau was rocked by the news that Wale had to race home to respond to a non-confidence motion lodged while he was en route to the event. As three of his cabinet ministers stepped down, Wale’s hold on power looked precarious just four months after his surprise election victory.

But instead of gaining momentum, the amateurish putsch........

© The Age