China Fails to Sign Security and Economic Agreements with 10 South Pacific Countries

Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, speaking at the Fiji joint press conference
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] An agreement for security and economic cooperation between China and 10 South Pacific countries failed to be concluded.

On the 30th (local time), according to AFP and other sources, Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister, and the foreign ministers of the 10 South Pacific countries held the 2nd China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Fiji.

The 10 South Pacific countries are the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Niue, Cook Islands, and Micronesia.

At the meeting, the foreign ministers discussed a comprehensive development vision focused on expanding security and economic cooperation, but no agreement was signed. APF reported that the failure to reach an agreement was due to concerns from some island countries about falling under China's sphere of influence.

The comprehensive development vision includes China establishing security cooperation with the Pacific island countries and dispatching Chinese public security personnel to train the local police forces. It is also reported to include expanded access to natural resources, millions of dollars in Chinese aid to the 10 South Pacific countries, prospects for a free trade agreement (FTA), and access to the Chinese market.

The Chinese government stated that it is a "continuing discussion process." Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to related questions at the regular briefing that "all parties agreed to continue active and substantive discussions to reach more common understanding."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.