China, Australia donate buildings, airstrips in Pacific influence race

FILE - Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele speaks as he meets with Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Australia's national parliament, on his first visit to Australia since winning a national election, in Canberra, Australia, June 26, 2024.

China has donated a presidential building complex in Vanuatu while Australia and New Zealand inaugurated an airfield in neighboring Solomon Islands, amid competition for influence in the Pacific Islands region.