China’s foreign minister tells Pacific leaders ‘don’t be too anxious’ after they reject regional security pact

Several Pacific nations reportedly want to defer action on the draft agreement or have it amended

Pacific countries have declined to sign up to a sweeping regional economic and security deal proposed by China, after a crucial meeting of Pacific foreign ministers and their Chinese counterpart on Monday.

China's foreign minister Wang Yi is in the middle of a marathon tour of the region, visiting eight countries in 10 days, a trip that security experts have said represents a dramatic uptick in tempo" of China's push for influence in the region.