While the cameras chased a garland snub, Tuvalu told the world what COP31 must deliver
If you only followed mainstream coverage of the Pre-COP Leaders' visit to Tuvalu, you could be forgiven for thinking the big issue was headwear.
Tue 29 Sep 2026 05.10 AEST
The White House/Flickr
In “Shorter America”, Dr Emma Shortis keeps you up-to-date on the United States with news and analysis that you can trust.
If you only followed mainstream coverage of the Pre-COP Leaders' visit to Tuvalu, you could be forgiven for thinking the big issue was headwear.
There’s tension in the air at this pre-COP. Tension between Pacific Island states and Australia. Tension over the world leaders who have not turned up. Tension over Australia’s continued expansion of coal and gas, even as it asks to be applauded for its climate leadership. And tension over how to call out a powerful partner whose aid and cooperation you still need.
Last week’s Trump-Xi meeting delivered few tangible outcomes, but is a bigger shift in US-China relations under way?
On this episode of After America, Professor James Laurenceson joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the latest US-China leaders’ meeting, why the Biden administration’s hawkish approach to China may not be coming back, and what it all means for Australia.
This episode was recorded on Monday 28 September.
Guest: James Laurenceson, Professor and Director, Australia-China Relations Institute, University of Technology Sydney // @j-laurenceson
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Show notes:
Trump on throwing a state dinner for Xi Jinping, Mother Jones on Bsky (September 2026)
Quality research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts you can trust.
As fears of China wane, Americans favor greater engagement with Beijing, Chicago Council on Global Affairs (September 2026)
Trump dismisses China spying concerns after reports they provided Iran with Jordan airbase images, The Hill on YouTube (September 2026)
Stabilising ties with China is not appeasement by Graham Fletcher, Lowy Interpreter (August 2026)
Photo: The White House/Flickr (U.S. Government work)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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