Pacific nations rebut dig at Chinese aid

After criticism from an Australian federal official, Pacific Island countries said they welcome China's assistance, rebutting the official's comments.

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Australia's minister for international development and the Pacific, recently accused China of constructing "useless buildings" and "white elephant" projects in those countries, according to media reports.

But Sione Vuna Fa'otusia, Tonga's minister of justice, said China builds infrastructure in the countries to assist their economic development. It's good for Tonga and China to work as partners, he said.