00:00Australia and the United States have announced a combined $580 million in funding for the Pacific Islands
00:06as both countries compete with China for influence in the region.
00:11Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Canberra will provide a $430 million package to help combat drug smuggling.
00:20And there are a range of issues that we need to deal with.
00:25Firstly, the obvious crime issue, but also health issue related to education as well,
00:31about why people shouldn't engage in drug use.
00:37But there's also the issue of cooperation across national boundaries that is so important.
00:44Meanwhile, the United States will provide another $150 million to the region,
00:49including $60 million to help Pacific Island countries deal with the global energy crisis.
00:55The announcement comes during the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau,
00:58where regional influence has become a growing contest between Washington, Canberra and Beijing.
01:04Palau is among three Pacific Island nations that maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
01:10China expressed serious concern over Taiwan's presence at the forum and said there could be consequences.
01:16In times of celebration, challenges...
