Richard Butler | RNZ - Andrew Thomas | February 15th, 2019

Analysts say Australia sees China’s influence as a potential threat to sovereignty, independence, stability and even to peace.

To counter China’s growing influence in the South Pacific, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he wants to step up his country’s engagement in the region.

Morrison recently visited the tiny island nation of Vanuatu, where he discussed how the two countries could work closer on economic and cultural partnerships and a joint military base.