CHINA’S PRESENCE IN PACIFIC ALARMS REGIONAL NEIGHBOURS

China’s increasing foothold in the Pacific through the construction of sea ports has alarmed regional neighbours including the US, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

One of Japan’s leading newspapers, the Yomiuri Shimbun reports that Japan, the US and Australia aim to take concerned action to curb China’s growing influence in the Pacific.

The countries will be approaching the Pacific Island Forum members to express their concerns.

China’s growing influence has been no secret. Papua New Guinea is also a focus of Chinese interests.

Chinese companies like the China Harbor engineering are engaged in the expansion of the Lae wharf.  Another Chinese company has also constructed a wharf in Madang.

Regional neighbors have expressed that the seaports could be used to pose military threats.