![pacific catch pacific catch](https://diplomatist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/XLHOC5FZEFJFDOXEWQZFYBYZ6A.jpg)
In his news conference, Wang said “some have been questioning why China has been so active in supporting Pacific Island countries.” Kiribati’s government did not immediately respond to a request by the AP to provide details of the agreements. Kiribati’s government said afterwards the two nations had signed 10 agreements ranging from cooperating on economic goals to building a specific bridge. While China may have fallen short on its plans for a grand multilateral agreement, it has been signing smaller bilateral agreements with the Pacific nations every day during Wang’s tour.įor instance, on Friday Wang visited Kiribati, where a key fishing ground the size of California is at stake. “And going forward, we will continue to have ongoing and in-depth discussions and consultations to shape more consensus.”
![pacific catch pacific catch](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dmhf4yCUwAEFeia.jpg)
“After the meeting, China will release its own position paper on our own positions, propositions, and cooperation proposals with Pacific Island countries,” Wang said through an interpreter. Panuelo called it “the single most game-changing proposed agreement in the Pacific in any of our lifetimes” and said it “threatens to bring a new Cold War era at best, and a World War at worst.”ĭuring the news conference Monday, Wang listed some areas where the countries had been able to find agreement and said he’d keep working on others. They’re good people,” Rokolita said.ĭocuments obtained by The Associated Press indicate Wang had hoped to get the 10 nations to endorse a pre-written agreement as part of a joint communique after the meeting.īut Wang was unable to get the consensus he’d sought.ĭavid Panuelo, president of the Federated States of Micronesia, told other Pacific leaders he wouldn’t endorse the plan, warning them in a letter that it would needlessly heighten geopolitical tensions and threaten regional stability. UK inflation rate hits new 40-year high of 9.1%Īnother Fijian, Miliane Rokolita, said China’s increased presence had benefited people. While there have been growing international concerns about Beijing’s military and financial ambitions in the region, many Fijians see a benefit in foreign investment wherever it comes from, so long as it uplifts the people.
![pacific catch pacific catch](https://cdn3.volusion.com/9j7vu.jw4f2/v/vspfiles/photos/PC-RCRig-3.jpg)
“As always, we put consensus first among our countries throughout any discussion on new regional agreements,” Bainimarama said. That left many details of what transpired at the meeting undisclosed.īut it was clear the nations hadn’t endorsed China’s plan. Wang was in Fiji to co-host a key meeting with the foreign ministers from the 10 island nations.Īt an unusual news conference afterward, Wang and Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama spoke for about 30 minutes and then abruptly left the stage as reporters tried to shout out questions. Washington-based experts have said this policy measure meant to strengthen America's relation with Asia and counterbalance China's influence lacks strong trade incentives that are viewed as politically perilous in the US.SUVA, Fiji (AP) - China fell short Monday on a bold plan to have 10 Pacific nations endorse a sweeping new agreement covering everything from security to fisheries as some in the region expressed deep concerns.īut there have been plenty of smaller wins for China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi as he continues an island-hopping tour of the region. In February, Washington released a 12-page fact sheet stating that they will focus on every corner of the region from South Asia to the Pacific Islands to strengthen its long-term position and commitment, including an emphasis on supporting and partnering with India. Senior US officials continue to travel to the region and continue to interact with leaders in the Indo-Pacific.Ĭhinese defence leaders have requested a meeting with Austin on the fringes of the Shangri-la Conference, the officials stated.Ĭhina's belligerent attitude in the Indo-Pacific including an uptick in Chinese naval activity and its ongoing militarization of the South China Sea has compelled several Southeast Asian countries to explore multilateral security arrangements and moderation. The trip comes after President Joe Biden's trip to South Korea and Japan last month and it is another instance of the importance America places on the region. Alongside his trip to the Indo-Pacific, the secretary will also give a major speech at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore and is going to visit the defence leaders and American troops in Thailand.