‘Pretty disturbing’: Pacific leaders ‘scared’ to anger China

News24 Political Editor Andrew Clennell warns Pacific leaders appear increasingly wary of angering Beijing, raising serious questions about China’s growing influence across the region. “We can all see the forums turning into a farce, so why not confront the truth basically,” Mr Clennell told News24 host Peta Credlin. “You should make comments saying that it’s a concern if influence is being brought to bear. “I think it’s a pretty disturbing development. “The worrying thing for us is that it looks like the Pacific leaders are now concerned about annoying China by attending. “That’s really worrying because what else are they doing for China, because they are scared for them.”