Australia to Step Up Challenge to China in Pacific With New Investment

Australia to Step Up Challenge to China in Pacific With New Investment
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison is hugged by a woman as he greets locals at the opening of a new building at the University of Papua New Guinea after an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Nov. 18, 2018. Mick Tsikas/Pool via Reuters
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SYDNEY— Australia will soon offer millions of dollars in funding for infrastructure projects in the Pacific, two sources familiar with the plan told Reuters, as part of its efforts to undercut Chinese influence.

Australia has long enjoyed nearly unchecked prominence in the Pacific but its position has been challenged by China in recent years as it increases its aid to the sparsely populated region that controls vast swathes of resource-rich ocean.