Checkbook diplomacy aimed at reining China

Japan promises $500m in aid to island countries

Japan is boosting financial aid and urging cooperation in maritime security with Pacific island countries to curb China's increasing presence in the region, analysts said.

Tokyo promised on Saturday to provide up to $500 million in aid to Pacific island countries over the next three years, as the two-day Sixth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture drew to a close.