Pacific nations have split over China on the world's biggest stage but issued a joint clarion call for stronger climate action.
As the Australian prime minister peddled new environmental policies, the often forgotten micro-states of the blue continent took a rare moment in the spotlight during their national addresses to the UN General Assembly this week.
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine excoriated Chinese political manipulation, saying Beijing misrepresented a UN resolution to de-legitimise Taiwan.
China claims the self-governed Taiwan as part of its territory and had vehemently denied any push for independence.
"Never has there been such gaslighting in this institution," she told world leaders at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, Australian time.
The resolution recognises Beijing as the sole legal representative of China, but "it does not confer or justify any basis for coercion or seizing sovereign control of an independent democratic nation", the president in reference to Taiwan.
The resolution "will never be justification under international law for military invasion or coercive acts against Taiwan", Dr Heine added.
Marshall Islands, a collection of islands and atolls in Micronesia, governs in "free association" with the US and is a steadfast supporter of Taiwan.
Her comments come weeks after a major Pacific leaders summit was overshadowed by accusations of undue Chinese influence.
The annual Pacific Islands Forum meeting, which usually invites Taiwanese participation to side events, instead closed ranks to all external powers during its 2025 gathering hosted by Solomon Islands.
Nauru President David Adeang was more welcoming of China's role in international affairs, praising Beijing's contribution to Nauru's infrastructure, trade and development.
"For Nauru, these diverse partnerships, built on mutual respect and understanding, are the foundation of our progress at home," he told the UN assembly.
Mr Adeang was also spoke glowingly of Australia, saying it was a relationship "grounded in kinship, trust, and the ties of Pacific family".
His seemingly innocuous comments came with an undertone, as a security deal Australia signed with Nauru curbs outside partnerships in critical infrastructure as Canberra attempts to limit Chinese influence in the Pacific.
Critical infrastructure is defined in the agreement as ports, aviation, energy, banking and telecommunications.
While they diverged on China, Pacific leaders were on a unity ticket for stronger climate action, as their nations face the existential threat of rising sea levels.
Dr Heine said urgent action was needed as the Marshall Islands "bears witness to the sharpest edge of climate change".
"If I could find a louder alarm for the Pacific Islands than my words today, I would sound it," she said.
Other Pacific leaders in New York held side events to bring world attention to their climate plight.
