Fiji, June 26 -- Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy says strategic competition with China in the Pacific is a permanent feature of the region's future, while stressing that Pacific countries retain the right to determine their own paths.
Speaking in an interview in Canberra, Conroy said Australia is responding by using every available tool to strengthen its relationships across the Pacific.
"Well, it's about maximum effort in using every lever. We've got some great advantages in our relationships that we intend to build on," he said.
Conroy said development assistance remains a key part of Australia's engagement, but not the only element.
"We're the biggest development partner in ...