Pacific Islands talks ‘almost broke down’ over Australia’s tough line on climate change
- Australia insisted that references to coal be removed from the group’s climate statement
- Pacific leaders do not think the differences will negatively affect Australia’s move to push back against China’s diplomatic inroads in the region
Critical talks at the Pacific Islands Forum almost collapsed twice amid “fierce” clashes between Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga over Australia’s “red lines” on climate change.
Vanuatu’s foreign minister Ralph Regenvanu, who was part of the drafting committee of the forum communique, said there was heated discussion over the Australian delegation’s insistence on the removal of references to coal, setting a target of limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius and announcing a strategy for zero emissions by 2050.
He described the discussions as “frank, fierce at times, [with] very strong positions being held”.
“Negotiations almost broke down twice, [with leaders] saying ‘this is not going to happen, we’re not going to have a collective decision’,” he said. Leaders had to take a break from proceedings, which started about 9.30am local time and lasted for almost 12 hours.