Breakfast

China has a growing influence in the Pacific region and there is now a bidding war between China and Taiwan for official diplomatic recognition by Pacific Island nations. In recent years both China and Taiwan have handed out hundreds of millions of dollars in aid around the Pacific; now analysts say China is 'going for the jugular' in convincing those who recognise Taiwan to switch sides. While many Pacific governments see it as a win-win situation, some analysts say the region may ultimately pay a heavy price.

Guests

Jon Fraenkel
Research Fellow with the State Society Governance in Melanesia Program at the Australian National University.

Fergus Hanson
Research associate at the Lowy Institute and author of the The Dragon Looks South

Reporter

Mike Woods

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