SYDNEY: No country can be allowed to dominate the Indo-Pacific, the leaders of France and Australia said on Wednesday, as regional capitals fret over the rise of an increasingly assertive China. French President Emmanuel Macron said the two nations—alongside fellow democracy India—had a responsibility to protect the region from “hegemony”—a veiled reference to Beijing’s growing might. Australia’s Lowy Institute estimates China provided US$1.78 billion in aid, including concessional loans, to Pacific nations between 2006-16. Turnbull, who called France “a Pacific power,” said he welcomed the economic rise of China and its investment, adding that it was crucial all sides work together in the Indo-Pacific. There were also climate-based agreements on developing technologies to harness solar power and protect reefs.

Source: Manila Times May 02, 2018 14:03 UTC