Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of averting major power rivalries in the South Pacific region, advocating for cooperation and rejecting the notion of exclusive spheres of influence. Speaking during a joint press conference with his counterpart from Papua New Guinea, Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to providing assistance to countries in the region without attaching political conditions.
With the Pacific becoming a focal point of competition between the United States and China, Wang cautioned against treating island nations as pawns in geopolitical games. He urged all parties to refrain from zero-sum approaches and exclusionary tactics, emphasizing that such actions do not serve the interests of the people in the South Pacific.
Wang reiterated China’s dedication to fostering mutual support and common development in its engagement with South Pacific island countries, asserting that China’s involvement is devoid of geopolitical agendas. He expressed China’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Papua New Guinea and initiate discussions on free trade agreements expeditiously.
In remarks reported by state media Xinhua, Wang underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty and choices of the people of Solomon Islands, urging external actors to refrain from meddling in their internal affairs.
The recent re-election of Solomon Islands’ pro-China Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, following his security pact with China in 2022, underscores the deepening ties between the Pacific nation and Beijing. This development has raised concerns among the United States and Australia regarding its potential implications for regional security.
As Wang’s statements reflect China’s diplomatic efforts to assert its presence in the South Pacific while advocating for non-interference and cooperation, the dynamics in the region continue to evolve amidst intensifying geopolitical competition.
