Australia, US, Japan in Indo-Pacific infrastructure push

SYDNEY: Australia, the United States and Japan will jointly invest in infrastructure projects in the Indo-Pacific, officials announced yesterday, in an attempt to counter China’s efforts to court influence in the region, reports AFP.

Beijing has loaned countries across Asia billions of dollars as part of its “Belt and Road” development strategy, including to island nations in the Pacific, a region Canberra views as its backyard. The Australian government has raised fears in recent months that some small Pacific nations might get trapped with unsustainable debts, handing Beijing influence.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the trilateral partnership would “mobilise investment in projects that drive economic growth, create opportunities, and foster a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific”. “We share the belief that good investments stem from transparency, open competition, sustainability, adhering to robust global standards, employing the local workforce, and avoiding unsustainable debt burdens.”

 

Australia, US, Japan in Indo-Pacific infrastructure push

SYDNEY: Australia, the United States and Japan will jointly invest in infrastructure projects in the Indo-Pacific, officials announced yesterday, in an attempt to counter Chinas efforts to court influence in the region, reports AFP. Beijing has loaned countries across Asia billions of dollars as part of its Belt and Road development strategy, including to island nations in the Pacific, a region Canberra views as its backyard. The Australian government has raised fears in recent months that some small Pacific nations might get trapped with unsustainable debts, handing Beijing influence. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the trilateral partnership would mobilise investment in projects that drive economic growth, create opportunities, and foster a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific. We share the belief that good investments stem from transparency, open competition, sustainability, adhering to robust global standards, employing the local workforce, and avoiding unsustainable debt burdens.