A commentator on Pacifc issues says the updated Biketawa Declaration being prepared by Pacific Island countries is not a device to counter the influence of China in the region.
That was the claim made last week in the Australian newspaper.
Academic and former diplomat, James Batley, told Don Wiseman that what is being called Biketawa Plus, is more aimed at extending the regional co-operation that was on show during the successful Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, or RAMSI.
James Batley Photo: DFAT
