King, State Councilor in charge of diplomacy and Minister of Foreign Affairs
"No interest in geopolitical rivalry"
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] China is repeatedly voicing strong statements denying any military intent in expanding cooperation with South Pacific island nations.
On the night of the 4th, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Wang Yi, China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister, who is touring Pacific island countries, met with Xanana Gusm?o, the first president of East Timor, in Dili, the capital of East Timor.
During the meeting, Wang Yi stated, "Accelerating your development and prosperity is our international responsibility," and added, "China has no intention of seeking spheres of influence and is not interested in any geopolitical rivalry."
He continued, "Treating small and medium-sized countries equally is our diplomatic tradition, and protecting the interests of developing countries is our duty," directly targeting Western countries wary of China's expanding influence by saying, "Some countries judge others based on their own views, misjudge, and even tarnish China."
At a press conference held in Papua New Guinea the previous day, Wang Yi also claimed that the China-Solomon Islands security agreement "fully complies with international law and international exchange practices," and stated, "The security agreement was reached through equal negotiations based on the mutual needs and demands of both parties, aiming to maintain social stability and cooperation in the Solomon Islands."
After attempts at security-related cooperation, including dispatching Chinese police to the island nations, failed, China appears to have shifted its approach to emphasize economic support and cooperation through a phased strategy.
Meanwhile, Western countries such as the United States and Australia suspect this agreement as an attempt by China to establish a military foothold in the South Pacific.
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