Australia will provide $68 million to Fiji to assist with airport upgrades amid a wider influence push into the South Pacific region against Beijing’s encroaching hegemony. The government-backed Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) will partner with ANZ Bank to support infrastructure upgrades to increase passenger capacity at Nadi International Airport to help the nation recover from COVID. Zed Seselja, minister for the Pacific, said Australia was committed to supporting the South Pacific with “high-quality, affordable” infrastructure projects. “This project is a great example of why Australia established the AIFFP,” Seselja said in a statement to The Epoch Times. “Australia’s loan and guarantee package will enable Fiji Airports to continue development during COVID-19, preparing for the reopening of Fiji’s international border.” ANZ Bank CEO Shayne Elliott said, “ANZ plays an important role connecting customers to the growing trade and investment opportunities across the region.” “Investing in infrastructure that …