According to a report by the state-run China News Agency, Chen noted in a message: China adheres to the principle that different countries are equal regardless of their size. He added that no matter how the international situation changed.
China has always been a good friend and partner of the Pacific Island countries.
He also stressed that protecting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and promoting development and prosperity for countries has a common desire for the peoples of the region and a common responsibility for countries in the region.
The Chinese president said: China is ready to work with Pacific island countries to face challenges and develop together.
At a meeting on Monday Fang Ji The Chinese Foreign Minister personally attended. During his ten-day tour of the region, Fang also visited the Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Samoa as well as Fiji.
The United States, which has traditionally maintained closer relations with Pacific island nations, among others, is watching China’s diplomatic activities in the region with concern.
According to press reports, after the meeting, Fang told reporters that the participants had identified five areas of cooperation – including economic recovery from the coronavirus epidemic – but more consultations would be needed to build a greater degree of consensus. He did not mention security among the specific areas of cooperation, although China did so recently Signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands.
Under the agreement, China could send police and military forces to the Solomon Islands to help the local government maintain social order and eliminate local threats. In addition, Chinese warships could dock in the island nation to receive supplies. The agreement was subjected to many criticisms, fearing that it would lead to the militarization of the region.
We wrote more about the security agreement in this article:
Cover image illustration. Source: Thomas Peter-Pool / Getty Images
