"New HK$1,000 banknote raises the 'bar' on security" from South China Morning Post

"Officials say it will be inserted at a cost, but will make the bills more difficult to copy. The device has been used for the first time this year in some Pacific Ocean islands and African countries. The mainland has also used it on commemorative notes, but no Western countries have so far used the technology.


Hong Kong Note Printing Limited general manager Francis Lau said: "Not many have adopted this feature because it's new. Special machines and inks are required and than can add to costs."

"As I set out by boat into the dazzling blues and greens of the Pacific, I realise this beatiful country is defined, more than anything, by the ocean that surrounds it." from South China Morning Post

"Ideally, I would like to spend months exploring the entire archipelago." from South China Morning Post

"The discussion in Australia come amid concern over China's increasingly assertive stance in the Pacific and its growing naval power, with some Asian states turning to Washington for support." from South China Morning Post

"But Gates insisted US plans in the region were not designed as a counterweight to China. "This isn't about China at all," he said."

"Australia is the final foreign stop on Clinton's seven-nation trip to the Asia-Pacific region." from South China Morning Post

"A senior defence official said the Pentagon was "looking at how we can make sure our forces are not just oriented in Northeast Asia, but are looking through down to Southeast Asia and then into the Indian Ocean as this part of the security environment becomes more Important." "