Australia scales up security and development cooperation with Kiribati as China’s reach grows

Penny Wong has announced Australia will rapidly scale up security and development cooperation with the sprawling Pacific Island nation of Kiribati as the federal government tries to ensure China doesn’t gain a strategic foothold in the country. Key points: Australia and Kiribati have signed a “Nurturing the Partnership” Memorandum of Understanding Australia and Kiribati have signed a “Nurturing the Partnership” Memorandum of Understanding Kiribati says Australia would deliver the country a second patrol boat, on top of the vessel handed over last year Kiribati says Australia would deliver the country a second patrol boat, on top of the vessel handed…