Jul 10, 2026 – 4.28pmAs the Pacific still reeled from the sudden splashdown of a nuclear-capable missile launched from a submarine skulking near the Chinese coastline, a smiling Anthony Albanese struck a friendly pose next to three Pacific Island leaders at the State of Origin game in Brisbane.Like the Blues in Wednesday’s decider, Australia may appear to be the underdog when competing with China’s military might in its Pacific neighbourhood. But in the battle for optics, Canberra played a soft diplomacy blinder this week.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Nicola SmithCanberra bureau chiefNicola Smith is The Australian Financial Review’s Canberra bureau chief. She was formerly a foreign correspondent covering Asia and the European Union and joined the Financial Review in 2025. Reach Nicola securely on Signal @niccijsmith.03.Fetching latest articles
Missiles and charm offensives: Australia’s urgent Pacific test
Even as Beijing’s launch of a nuclear-capable missile shocked the Pacific, experts warn Australia must fight to retain its upper hand in soft power diplomacy.
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