Nine Pacific Nations to ‘Deepen Exchanges’ With Beijing

This picture taken shows flags from the Pacific Islands countries being displayed in Yaren on the last day of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) on Sept. 5, 2018. Mike Leyral/AFP via Getty Images

Leaders from nine Pacific Island nations have vowed to deepen their relationship with Beijing, fight the pandemic, and continue collaborating on major infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The pledge comes amid an ongoing tug-of-war between Beijing and democratic allies in the South Pacific region.