Pacific Islands say no to Chinese regional security deal

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.

“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.