China hits back over criticism of its aid to Pacific islands

China has responded angrily to Australia’s criticism of its loans and aid to Pacific island nations.

The Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, has raised concerns Chinese funds are being used to build unnecessary infrastructure and the developing nations will struggle to repay the resulting debts to China.

A Chinese Government spokesman says the Senator’s remarks are irresponsible and show little knowledge of the facts.

Fergus Hanson from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute says China regards its aid program as a state secret.