France frets as China strengthens ties with allies in South Pacific

Chinese aid to the South Pacific is increasingly targeted toward the country's political allies in the region, an independent Australian thinktank reported this week. This is happening amid a declining appetite for Chinese credit, and as the US and China jostle for influence. Chinese economic influence over the 14 Pacific island nations dependent on aid is dwindling because of better loan deals being offered by allies of the US – especially Australia, the Sydney-based Lowy Institute said in its