China’s Pacific ties not part of ‘geopolitical rivalry’, Wang Yi tells island leaders
China’s cooperation with the Pacific islands is not part of a geopolitical competition, top diplomat Wang Yi told a delegation of politicians from the region on Friday. The comments come as Beijing and Washington vie for influence in the South Pacific. “China’s engagement with Pacific island countries is a form of South-South cooperation based on mutual assistance and support,” Wang said,…
China’s cooperation with Pacific island countries is not part of geopolitical rivalry, according to top diplomat Wang Yi. The Chinese Foreign Minister spoke to a delegation of Pacific island politicians in Beijing, where he emphasized that China’s engagement is based on mutual assistance and support, not interference or targeting.
The diplomat said China supports Pacific nations in pursuing development paths suited to their national circumstances and safeguarding their sovereignty, security, and development interests. He also urged the islands to uphold the one-China policy, which Beijing views as a key part of the post-war international order. Despite tensions between China and the US over Taiwan, most Pacific island nations remain committed to maintaining ties with both Beijing and Washington.
However, China is expanding its diplomatic and economic ties with the region, while the US and its allies offer new funding to upgrade infrastructure and bolster security.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
