Australia Targets China’s Influence With Deals in Pacific Islands NYT | Top Stories By: Victoria Kim 21 December 2024 at 00:01 In separate agreements with Nauru, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Australia is attempting to edge out China’s influence in the region. © Lukas Coch/EPA, via ShutterstockPrime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia announcing a deal on Friday to help the Solomon Islands expand its police force.