Pacific and China on agenda as Macron arrives in Australia
Australia has become increasingly alarmed at China's push into the PacificSYDNEY: Emmanuel Macron arrived in Australia Tuesday on a rare visit by a French president with the two sides expected to agree on greater cooperation in the Pacific to counter a rising China. Former French leader Sarkozy held over Libyan funding inquiryHis advisers said he wanted to discuss a ‘common response’ to security and climate tensions in the South Pacific, which includes the French territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Macron-Modi love on show as France courts India“We must support the South Pacific islands in their development and give them options when they want to develop infrastructure. Macron: France’s youngest president resets French politicsAustralia’s Lowy Institute estimates China provided US$1.78 billion in aid, including concessional loans, to Pacific nations between 2006-16. Following the Australia visit, the French leader will continue on to the French territory of New Caledonia, where a crucial independence referendum is due in November.
Source: The Express Tribune May 01, 2018 09:11 UTC
