Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today called on Pacific nations not to “worry too much” about Beijing’s intentions, following a meeting in the Fiji capital with counterparts from 10 island states who failed to reach a joint statement on the issue. with a trade and security agreement.
Wang chaired a meeting with Pacific Foreign Ministers, who have diplomatic relations with China and not with Taiwan, from Suva, the capital of the Fiji Islands.
According to documents released to AFP last week, Beijing has offered millions of dollars in financial aid to ten South Pacific island countries, the prospect of a free trade agreement, and access to the $ 1.4 billion giant Chinese market. resident.
In return, China will train police forces, organize cybersecurity, develop close cooperation in sensitive areas such as offshore mapping, and ensure broad access to local natural resources.
However, at least one country, the Federated States of Micronesia, has opposed the agreement, according to a letter leaked last week.
After the meeting – which was attended by the islands of Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Niue – Wang noted that the countries agreed on five areas of cooperation, but added that further talks were needed. to have unanimity.
These five areas include the economic recovery after the covid pandemic and new farming and disaster management centers, but not security.
“China will release a document on our positions and proposals and proposals for cooperation with the Pacific island countries, and moving forward we will have ongoing and in-depth discussions and consultations to build unanimity,” Wang told reporters.
The Chinese minister said that some countries questioned China’s motives for its active involvement in the Pacific, but stressed that Beijing also supports the development of countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
“Do not worry too much and do not worry, because the common development and prosperity of China and all other developing countries will simply mean greater harmony, greater justice and greater progress for the whole world,” he said.
For his part, the Chinese ambassador to Fiji, Qian Bo, said the participants agreed to discuss the draft agreement and the five-year plan “until we reach an agreement”.
“There has been general support from the 10 countries with which we have diplomatic relations, but of course there are some concerns about specific issues,” he added.
Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has said that Pacific countries are prioritizing unanimity.
Reactions
The proposal for close cooperation with Beijing comes at a time when the United States and China are competing to increase their influence in the strategically important South Pacific region.
The signing of a security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands in April came as a shock to Australia, which saw it as a way for Beijing to establish a military presence in the Pacific.
Australia’s new government has made the Pacific Islands a foreign policy priority in a bid to counter Beijing’s diplomatic pressure. Australia’s new foreign minister, Penny Wong, paid her first official overseas visit to Suva on Thursday, stressing that Canberra would change environmental policy, an issue of particular concern to Pacific island nations, and announcing a new program. to provide visas to their residents so that they can immigrate to Australia.
“The Solomon Islands are an exception,” said Richard Herr, a professor at the University of Tasmania who has been working with the Pacific Islands for decades.
The region will be reluctant to “find itself embroiled in geostrategic competition,” he added.
The president of the Palau archipelago, Surengel Whips Jr., told Australia’s ABC television today that Chinese proposals “should be of concern” to the region.
Many Western countries have made no secret of their frustration with Beijing’s moves, and the State Department has warned Pacific nations of “opaque and vague agreements” with China.
The Pacific island nations want to maintain good relations with China, to strike a fair balance between Beijing and Washington, but also not to serve as pawns in their game.
SOURCE: AMPE
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
