SYDNEY - 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. His 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. "We must support the South Pacific islands in their development and give them options when they want to develop infrastructure. Australia'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: Bangkok Post May 01, 2018 08:37 UTC