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Australia’s ‘political win’ in the Pacific gets ‘mild’ response from China
Pacific island leaders endorsed a regional policing plan, but analyst says balancing ties with Beijing remains ‘important consideration’ for many
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Beijing has been restrained in response to Pacific island leaders backing Canberra’s regional policing plan – a move seen as a “diplomatic coup” for Australia as it tries to counter China’s security presence in the region.
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Pacific island leaders endorsed the A$400 million (US$271 million) Pacific Policing Initiative at a summit in Tonga on Wednesday.
Under the plan, up to four training centres will be set up across the Pacific and a multinational crisis reaction force of around 200 officers will be established.
China’s foreign ministry did not comment on the specifics of the plan but on Thursday said Beijing supported “all parties to make joint efforts for the development and revitalisation of Pacific island countries”.
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