China to Establish Third Island Chain in the Pacific Even if It Takes Over 10 Years

Failure to Reach Agreement on Comprehensive Development Vision with Pacific Island Countries... Continuous Efforts
US-China Conflict Front Inevitably Expands to the Pacific

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Despite the failure of efforts to strengthen security and economic cooperation with 10 Pacific island countries, the Chinese government stated that it will continue the process of discussions going forward.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Behind China's efforts to strengthen cooperation with Pacific island countries lies the hidden claw called the "Third Island Chain." China designates the sea in front of the mainland as the First Island Chain and the sea east of Taiwan as the Second Island Chain. China judges that the First and Second Island Chains alone are insufficient for mainland defense, and harbors the intention to establish a Third Island Chain in the Pacific island countries to build a first line of defense.

The state-run Global Times reported on the 31st that the 2nd China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting, attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, was held on the 30th in Fiji.

At this meeting, China agreed to strengthen cooperation with Pacific island countries in poverty eradication, climate change, and agriculture, the Global Times reported. However, it indirectly suggested the failure of the "Comprehensive Development Vision" agreement by stating that some agreement documents were not finalized. The Comprehensive Development Vision is a progressive joint agreement from China's perspective, including not only economic but also security sectors.

Minister Wang departed on a schedule to visit eight countries?Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor?from May 26 to June 4. Chinese media had previously reported that cooperation with Pacific island countries with great growth potential would expand and that important agreements might be reached ahead of Wang’s departure.

The draft of the Comprehensive Development Vision reportedly includes provisions for China to establish security cooperation with Pacific island countries and dispatch Chinese Public Security (police) to train the police forces of those countries. Although it starts with public security, the ultimate goal is said to be the entry of the People's Liberation Army.

The Global Times cited experts on Pacific island countries, emphasizing that all cooperation between China and Pacific island countries will proceed according to the will of the respective countries and their people, and that China will not coerce cooperation like the Western camp, including the United States. It also reported that China respects the opinions of the countries involved and will make continuous efforts to strengthen cooperative relations in the future.

Professor Chen Hong of East China Normal University evaluated, "The 2nd China-Pacific Island Countries Meeting has progressed compared to the 1st meeting a year ago," adding, "The meeting was successful for both sides, pioneering new fields."

Professor Wei Lei of Liaocheng University in Shandong Province stated, "Regional agreement signing requires a lot of time and effort," and predicted that negotiations could take more than 10 years. However, he expressed concern that some Western camps, including the United States, might obstruct cooperation between China and Pacific island countries.

The Global Times pointed to Micronesia as a country that voiced a different opinion in this agreement. It noted that among the island countries in the region, three countries including Micronesia cooperate with the United States. It further explained that Micronesia hosts a U.S. missile strike training ground and agreed last year on plans to build a U.S. military base.

In a written greeting sent to the meeting, President Xi Jinping reiterated China's intention to advance into the Pacific, stating, "China is willing to create a future and build common development with Pacific island countries." As China once again emphasized that it will not give up its dream of Pacific expansion, it is expected that the front line of U.S.-China conflicts will expand into the Pacific.