Pacific Forum members to visit China
Updated
China's increased involvement in the Pacific will be the subject of talks when a delegation of Pacific Forum members travel to the emerging economic power.
Our reporter in Canberra, Michael Cavanagh, says the talks are two fold - to encourage further Chinese investment in the region and also to try and have China work more closely with other aid countries in the region.
Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Duncan Kerr says this is reflected by the question of Beijing versus Taipei.
"Across the Pacific there has been a diplomatic competition for recognition between China and Taiwan," he said.
This competition at times has led to unease - with Chinese interests such as those in Solomon Islands being targetted during civil unrest.
All the Forum members making the trip have diplomatic ties with Beijing.
