China using “pay-day loan diplomacy” in the Pacific: U.S. diplomat

China's is using “pay-day loan diplomacy” to exert influence in the Pacific, the new U.S. Ambassador to Australia said on Wednesday, comments that threaten to inflame regional tensions.

The United States and its regional allies have been battling China for greater influence in the Pacific — a region that has votes at international forums like the United Nations and controls vast swathes of a resource-rich ocean.

The geopolitical competition has seen both sides increase foreign aid to the region in recent months, which the West says is needed to prevent the Pacific falling into financial distress and becoming susceptible to diplomatic pressure from Beijing.

South Korea steps up fight against pollution, says problem is 'social disaster'

South Korean President Moon Jae-in (center) walks next to Malaysia King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah inspects an honor guard during his welcome ceremony at Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 13, 2019.   | Photo Credit: AP

South Korea on Wednesday ramped up its firepower as its battle pollution, passing a set of bills that designate the problem a 'social disaster' and which could unlock emergency funds to tackle the issue.

Pollution in Asia's fourth-largest economy has been driven up by factors including coal-fired power generation and high vehicle emissions, sparking widespread concern among the public and weighing on President Moon Jae-in's approval ratings.

Designating the issue a 'disaster' allows the government to use parts of its reserve funds to help respond to any damage or emergency caused by polluted air. The country's reserve funds stand at up to 3 trillion won ($2.65 billion) this year.

(With inputs from Agencies)