PACIFIC NATIONS
![Britain's Prince Charles, takes a drink with Chief Sine Mao Tirsupe, President of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs, during a visit to the Chief's nakamal, as he visits the South Pacific island of Vanuatu, April 7, 2018. [Photo: Pool via Reuters/Steve Parsons]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Britain-Vanuatu-Prince-Charles-Sine-Mao-Tirsupe-April-7-2018-960x576.jpg?itok=Svz-vbZe "Britain's Prince Charles, takes a drink with Chief Sine Mao Tirsupe, President of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs, during a visit to the Chief's nakamal, as he visits the South Pacific island of Vanuatu, April 7, 2018. [Photo: Pool via Reuters/Steve Parsons]")
Sydney, AUSTRALIA — Western countries will step up economic contacts with Pacific nations to lever them away from China’s spreading sphere of influence, overtures to be backed by increased military surveillance and intelligence operations.
As unease grows over Beijing’s strategic objectives and...