NZ PM says even as China more assertive, shared interests remain
New Zealand has toughened its tone recently on both security and Beijing's growing presence in the South Pacific, in part due to the signing of a security pact between China and Solomon Islands earlier in the year.
China says not competing for influence in South Pacific
Beijing says it 'does not seek exclusive rights' in the region and has 'no intention to compete with others'.
China offers South Pacific nations security, free trade agreements
The South Pacific is increasingly a theatre for competition between China and the US – which has been the primary power in the region for the last century.
