China says not competing for influence in South Pacific

China has insisted that it has “no intention to compete” for influence in the South Pacific as Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong again jetted around the region Wednesday on duelling diplomatic charm offensives. In a statement distributed by the Chinese embassy in Canberra, Beijing said it “does not seek exclusive rights” in the region and “we have no intention to compete with others”. The claim comes as Mr. Wang nears the end of a contentious 10-day visit to Pacific Island nations that has seen China pitch a radically increased role in regional security, much to…