10 Pacific countries reject trade security deal with China

Information released by ABC company after a high-level meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and counterparts from 10 Pacific countries were held in Fiji on the afternoon of May 30.

China is seeking a wide-ranging agreement that includes free trade, security cooperation and disaster response.

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said the Pacific nations were united in their approach.

“As always, we put consensus among countries first in any discussion of new regional agreements,” Prime Minister Bainimarama told a news conference with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

“Fiji will continue to seek fertile ground for our bilateral relationship. The challenges facing our people will only increase until there are collective solutions. I am grateful to the Minister and his team for bringing the spirit of fruitful cooperation to Fiji,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said.

The Prime Minister of Fiji said he sought a stronger commitment from China on climate action and emissions cuts, as he did with all world leaders. “Geopolitical scoring means less for anyone whose community is sinking below rising sea levels,” Prime Minister Bainimarama stressed.

China’s ambassador to Fiji, Qian Bo, said some Pacific nations were concerned about specific elements of the wide-ranging agreement. “There has been mutual support from… 10 countries with which we have diplomatic relations. But of course, there are concerns about some specific issues,” Ambassador Qian Bo said.

Ambassador Qian Bo said China always consults friends continuously. “That’s also China’s policy – we never impose anything on other countries… that has never happened. We have signed three agreements with Fiji, all related to economic development,” said Ambassador Qian Bo.

For his part, Foreign Minister Wang Yi affirmed that China “will continue to provide assistance to the Pacific island countries without any political constraints”.

Mr. Wang Yi said: “All agreed to commit to promoting extensive cooperation in the region Belt and Road Initiative, together to tackle challenges like COVID-19 and achieve economic recovery. For the Pacific island nations, China is not a newcomer but an old friend with longstanding friendship. And the rapid development of relations between China and the Pacific island nations did not happen by accident.

Regarding the fact that some people question why China is so actively supporting the Pacific island nations, Wang Yi said: “My advice to those people is not to worry too much and not too much. tension.” He said China is supporting the development of countries not only in the South Pacific but also in Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean.

“The common development and prosperity of China and all other developing countries only means more harmony, justice and progress for the whole world,” he said.

The suspension of the multilateral agreement, including security and fisheries, comes after President David Panuelo of the Federated States of Micronesia warned countries Pacific The treaty should not be signed, fearing it could spark a new Cold War.