Taiwanese aid paper looks to change Pacific aid
Updated
![Taiwan paves way for rethink of aid distribution in the Pacific. [Radio Australia]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/taiwan_flag_ra_290508.jpg?<BR> "Taiwan paves way for rethink of aid distribution in the Pacific. [Radio Australia]")
Taiwan paves way for rethink of aid distribution in the Pacific. [Radio Australia]
Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Duncan Kerr says a reported shift away from dollar diplomacy in the Pacific by Taiwan is a realisation that it is counterproductive and destabilising.
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry is to release a foreign aid white paper, which is believed to push for a move away making money available to various Pacific nations under the guise of aid.
Mr Kerr is in China with other Pacific Forum member nations to discuss issues such as encouraging Beijing to work more closely with other countries involved in aid to the Pacific.
He says Taiwan's possible change could be a move toward more effective funding.
"Nobody wants a destabilised and chaotic Pacific driven by money politics and I think over time it's been the discussions privately diplomatically with Taiwan," he said.
"I think that the understanding is growing that is not a particularly effective or appropriate way to provide funding."
