U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the United States supports Australia’s decision to cancel two Belt and Road Initiative arrangements with Beijing. “We continue to stand with the people of Australia as they bear the brunt of the PRC’s coercive behavior,” Price said. “The Australian government had determined that the agreements … to be inconsistent with Australia’s foreign policy or adverse to Australia’s foreign relations.” In total, Australia’s federal government cancelled four arrangements between the Victorian state government and foreign powers, including Iran, Syria, and China. “The government’s cancellation of these additional arrangements with entities in Iran and entities in Syria further demonstrate that Australia is focused on protecting its national interest from all international concerns—this is not unique to the PRC,” Price said. Price made the comments at a press briefing on April 22, pledging America’s support to its ally as it continued to protect its national interests …