China’s position concerns

New Caledonia’s outgoing member of the French National Assembly has expressed concern about China’s position in the Pacific, saying Beijing has already colonised Vanuatu. Philippe Gomes, who will not seek re-election next month, said the territory’s Assembly members had to look at the international situation and their voices must be heard. Speaking on New Caledonian television, he said this was a time when China was about to colonise not only Solomon Islands, but also Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Last month, Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China.