Original article by Kirsty Needham, Phillip Coorey, Andrew Tillett
The Australian Financial Review – Page: 1 & 6 : 26-May-22

China aims to increase its presence in the Indo-Pacific region with a proposed deal with 10 Pacific Island nations. The deal would cover policing, security and communications, as well as a free-trade agreement. China has sent a draft communique to the 10 nations, but it has been rejected by the Federated States of Micronesia; President David Panuelo has expressed concern that the ‘predetermined joint communique’ could spark a new Cold War between China and the West. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong says China has made its intentions clear, and stresses that the new federal government wants to regain Australia’s position as the partner of choice in the Pacific.

CORPORATES
AUSTRALIA. DEPT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE