China’s Wen pledges aid for Pacific allies – Leora Moldofsky

From the Financial Times (link)

China’s premier on Wednesday pledged a wide-ranging package of economic aid to south Pacific island allies, including Rmb3bn ($375m) in preferential loans.

The pledge made by Wen Jiabao was seen by analysts as a bid to isolate Taiwan and cement Beijing’s influence in the region.

In the first visit by a Chinese premier to the south Pacific, Mr Wen said China would grant zero-tariff treatment to the eight island states that support a one-China policy, cancel debts that matured at the end of 2005, establish a fund to encourage Chinese investment in the region and accord its Pacific allies approved tourism status.