World

Pacific Islands say no to Chinese regional security deal

Published

4 months ago

May 30, 2022

China has been unable to make an agreement with 10 island nations over sweeping trade and security deals

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is urging the Pacific region not to be “too anxious” about his country’s aims, despite widespread international concern.

Wang hosted the meeting with foreign ministers from Pacific island nations with diplomatic ties with China midway through a diplomatic tour of the region.

A draft communique and five-year action plan sent by China to the invited nations ahead of the meeting focused on regional trade and security.

No consensus

But the draft communique prompted opposition from at least one of the invited nations.

Wang says the nations have agreed on five areas of cooperation, but further discussions will be needed.

Aerial shot of Tavarua island – different angle

“China will release its own position paper on our own positions and propositions and cooperation proposals with Pacific island countries, and going forward we will continue to have ongoing and in-depth discussions and consultations to shape more consensus on cooperation,” he told reporters in Fiji.

“Don’t be too anxious and don’t be too nervous, because the common development and prosperity of China and all the other developing countries would only mean great harmony, greater justice and greater progress of the whole world,” he said.

There has been agreement on economic recovery and new centres for agriculture and disaster, but not security.

In a written address to the meeting, China’s President Xi Jinping said China will always be a good friend of Pacific Island countries no matter how the international situation changes.

Wang will travel to the South Pacific kingdom of Tonga for a two-day visit on Tuesday.

Related Topics:china Featured pacific islands security

Up Next

Fears grow for survivors in Nepal air crash

Don't Miss

Jai Hindley wins historic Giro D’Italia

Ahron Young

Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.

Climate Change

Hurricane Ian could be Florida’s deadliest storm

Published

1 hour ago

September 30, 2022

William Howard

Hurricane Ian could be Florida’s deadliest storm as it continues north towards South Carolina

U.S. President Joe Biden says Hurricane Ian could be the deadliest storm in the region’s history, with early reports suggesting substantial loss of life.

Biden spoke at an afternoon briefing at the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema).

Ian made landfall on Wednesday local time near the city of Fort Myers. It has led to severe flooding, high winds and storm surges.

Several areas remain submerged, and more than 2.5 million homes are without power.

Many residents are trapped in their homes and unable to escape. Search and rescue teams are working around the clock to provide assistance where they can.

5,000 Florida National Guard troops and 2,000 Guardsman from surrounding states have been deployed.

Eight teams with 800 members are carrying out search and rescue operations.

More than 200 public shelters have now been opened, housing around 34,000 people.

The National Hurricane Centre has downgraded Ian to a tropical storm for now but warns it will likely become a hurricane again later.

The entire coast of South Carolina is just the latest region to be placed on high alert as the storm continues north on its path of destruction.

World

Finland slams its borders shut on Russia

Published

3 hours ago

September 30, 2022

William Howard

Finland will officially closed its border to Russian tourists, marking the last of Moscow’s E-U neighbours to do so.

Finland will close its border with Russia as Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania also closed theirs.

The Finnish government made the decision following Vladimir Putin’s decision to call-up of 300,000 military reservists.

Queue’s at Russia’s border crossings with E-U nations were stretching for kilometres as people attempted to flee the country.

The closure of the border only applies to tourists – and Russians who are visiting family or travelling for work or study will still be granted entry.

The Finnish Foreign Minister stated that the decision was a difficult one to make, but ultimately it was in the best interest of the country.