U.S., Australia to Develop Pacific Naval Base in Check on China

  • Pence announces partnership in Papua New Guinea development
  • Move comes amid concern about China’s growing influence
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Mike Pence on Nov. 17. Photographer: Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images
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The U.S. will join Australia in redeveloping a naval base in Papua New Guinea as the two allies try to counter China’s growing strategic influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Vice President Mike Pence announced the partnership on Saturday at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China loomed large.