On Sunday, tiny Singapore, one of the US’s most like-minded partners in the region, drew a direct equivalence between the US and China. The country that has lately shifted its China policy most, Australia, has been frozen out by China, rather than the other way around. Trade minister Steven Ciobo recently became the first cabinet minister to visit China this year amid a freeze on invitations from Beijing. China denies violating freedom of navigation and has said its Belt and Road Initiative provides win-win solutions for developing countries. On a visit to the Philippines, he said he had found people extremely concerned about China, though cautious about speaking out.

Source: Mint June 04, 2018 05:03 UTC