Australia, US commit $580 million to support Pacific Island nations

Australia and the US announced a combined $580 million to boost the Pacific Islands as they vie with growing Chinese influence in the region (the US is contributing $150m).
Australia pledged A$600 million ($430m) to fight drug-smuggling in the Pacific, funding extra aerial surveillance and police/border training.
The Pacific Islands Forum was overshadowed by a spat over Taiwan’s participation, with Palau among the few nations that still maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan.