An Australian thinktank says China has dramatically scaled back its aid to the Pacific in the past two years.
An assessment by the Lowy Institute, shows that, while various Western nations were raising concerns about Chinese influence in the Pacific, Beijing was cutting back its involvement.
Within this period two Pacific nations, Kiribati and Solomon Islands transferred their allegiance from Taiwan to China.
In addition both New Zealand and Australia launched Pacific re-set campaigns with the apparent aim to target a perceived rise in Chinese influence.
Lowy's Pacific programme director, Jonathan Pryke spoke with Don Wiseman about their data and what it might reveal about China's intentions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is welcomed to Fiji during his first visit to the Pacific island nation in November 2014. Photo: Fiji govt
