After signing a host of new agreements with Samoa, Chinese Foreign Minister (FM) Wang Yi pushed back against criticism of China’s expanded outreach to the region, saying it stands ready to cooperate with both Australia and New Zealand for the joint development of the Pacific island nations.
Advocating for equality and economic development for all countries, Chinese FM said, “China is willing to do its utmost to support developing countries, including Pacific Island Countries, in accelerating their development and revitalization,” and assured that China “never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries, never attaches political strings, and never seeks geopolitical interests.”
Additionally, Wang reiterated that China’s cooperation with Pacific island nations doesn’t target third parties, doesn’t seek exclusive rights, and has no intention to compete with others. In fact, the FM said China remains willing to enhance dialogue with all countries concerned about the Pacific Island countries, particularly Australia and New Zealand, and carry out trilateral cooperation according to Pacific Island countries’ wishes.
On Saturday, Samoa signed an agreement seeking “greater collaboration” with China in technology, peace, security, climate change, and the pandemic during Wang’s visit to Apia.
🇨🇳🇼🇸FM Wang Yi: China-aided Faleolo International Airport✈️ and the Pacific Games stadium 🏟️have become local landmarks and the cultural center of #Samoa, injecting new impetus into bilateral friendly exchanges. pic.twitter.com/VNsIwZrMqO
— Shen Shiwei 沈诗伟 (@shen_shiwei) May 29, 2022
According to a press release by China’s foreign ministry, Samoan Prime Minister (PM) and FM Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa held talks with Wang in Apia.
Samoan leaders congratulated China’s Communist Party on its centenary last year and expressed hope that they could “strengthen experience exchanges” with China in several sectors, particularly economic development and poverty alleviation. Wang, meanwhile, congratulated Samoa on 60 years of independence and hailed almost fifty years of China-Samoa diplomatic relations.
The statement released after his meeting with the Samoan FM said, “Samoa firmly pursues the one-China principle and upholds the principle of non-interference in internal affairs on the Taiwan question.”
While noting the excellent results of Samoa-China cooperation in several fields, including infrastructure and agricultural technologies, Mataafa pledged to promote a “mutually beneficial and win-win partnership of mutual respect and trust.”
While discussing climate change, Wang highlighted ‘the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Cooperation Center’ and said Beijing is willing to help island countries build their capacity for climate change. Simultaneously, he called on developed countries to take responsibility for reducing emissions and fulfilling their obligation. On this topic, Mataafa called climate change an important field of cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries.
Following the meeting, both leaders attended the signing ceremony of cooperation documents. Documents signed included the ‘Exchange of Letters for the Fingerprint laboratory for Police,’ ‘the Handover Certificate for the completed Arts & Culture Centre,’ and ‘the Economic & Technical Cooperation Agreement’ for projects agreed on by both countries.
Solomon Islands FM Jeremiah Manele further revealed that the two countries also held discussions on China building a police training centre in the country.
Local media were reportedly invited to witness the signing ceremony but weren’t allowed to ask questions.
After meeting with Mataafa, Wang Yi met Samoan Head of State Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II. The pair agreed to bolster cooperation on green development and the climate crisis.
Wang Yi’s meeting comes following the release of a leaked document which reveals China’s plans to sign security arrangements with ten other Pacific island nations, following its recent deal with the Solomon Islands.
State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China is not a new comer for the South Pacific region and has established diplomatic relations with PICs nearly 50 years ago. The principle of our cooperation is mutual respect and the objective is common development. pic.twitter.com/ZNzWESdINB
— Chinese Embassy in Fiji (@ChineseEmb_FJ) May 30, 2022
The document, titled ‘China-Pacific Island Countries Common Development Vision,’ focuses on “strengthening exchanges and cooperation in the fields of traditional and non-traditional security.”
To this end, it states, “China will hold intermediate and high-level police training for Pacific Island Countries through bilateral and multilateral means.” Furthermore, it envisages a ministerial dialogue on law enforcement capacity and police cooperation later this year, wherein China would provide forensic laboratories.
Before arriving in Samoa, Wang Yi held meetings in the Solomon Islands on Thursday and Kiribati on Friday. In Kiribati, Wang met Kiribati President Taneti Maamau for dialogue on health, education, and fisheries. Speaking anonymously, a Kiribati official said Maamau focused on trade and tourism but wasn’t keen on a security deal. Both sides also agreed to bolster cooperation on COVID-19, with a Chinese medical team arriving to assist with the pandemic response and provide health services.
On Saturday afternoon, Wang Yi departed for Fiji, where he held a Pacific Island foreign ministers’ meeting today.
The Pacific needs genuine partners, not superpowers that are super-focussed on power. At an excellent meeting with Minister Wang Yi, I've sought stronger Chinese commitment to keep 1.5 alive, end illegal fishing, protect the #BluePacific's ocean, and expand Fijian exports. pic.twitter.com/vBSVJtDf6a
— Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) May 30, 2022
Australia and the United States are closely monitoring Wang Yi’s Pacific tour, fearing that it could pave the way for Chinese military presence in the region. In fact, Australia’s new FM, Penny Wong, travelled to Fiji last week to warn against China’s expansion plans. Wong said, “We have expressed our concerns publicly about the security agreement,” adding that Australia is “a partner that doesn’t come with strings attached” and won’t “impose unsustainable financial burdens.”
Australia’s new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has reiterated his government’s commitment to the region, noting his government’s plan for a defence training school, maritime security, and climate change.
Albanese has also accused his predecessor Scott Morrison of “dropping the ball” over cooperation with the Pacific nations. He said, “The truth is, the former government had a submission from [the department of] foreign affairs and trade, backed by the former foreign minister at the time Marise Payne, for increased aid in the Pacific, and they ignored.”