Fiji, June 26 -- Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy says China is seeking a permanent security presence in the Pacific, as Australia continues efforts to strengthen its position as the region's preferred security, development and economic partner.
Speaking in an interview in Canberra, Conroy said the Australian Government has been open about its strategic competition with China and its concerns about Beijing's objectives in the region.
"Both Penny Wong and I have been very clear that we are in a permanent state of contest."
"We've also been very overt about what is the goal of the countries in the region, one being China. And China is seeking a permanent security presence in the region," he said.
Conroy said China...