China’s Pacific Ambitions Hit a Pothole

Island nations turn backs on Beijing’s promises of largesse

By: Salman Rafi Sheikh

China’s plan to expand its influence into the South Pacific, in the wake of last month’s signing of a security pact with the Solomon Islands that alarmed pro-western allies, has been blunted amid islanders’ fears that Beijing is seeking to be too much of a big brother. Australia, suddenly aware of the Chinese threat in its own back…