Australia Outspends China in Pacific — But Chinese Firms Take the Cash as AUKUS Drama Mounts

New Lowy Institute data drops a reality bomb on the Pacific influence race: Australia pumped $2.15 billion into regional aid in 2024, accounting for 37% of all development finance — dwarfing China's 6% share. But here's the kicker: Chinese state-owned companies are walking away with the lucrative construction contracts, building the very projects Australian taxpayers are funding. As China's outgoing ambassador Xiao Qian bid farewell in Canberra this week — replaced by...