China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is visiting the island nations of the Pacific Ocean, met with Prime Minister Fiamme in Samoa, the third country to visit, on the 28th. I have never pursued it, "he emphasized, and it seems that he wants to dispel the sense of caution toward China.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has been visiting eight countries, including the Pacific island nations, from the 26th to the 10th, and will meet with Prime Minister Fiamme on the 28th, following the Solomon Islands and Kiribati, in Samoa, the third country to visit. Did.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Fiamme expressed his intention to strengthen exchanges with China in areas such as economy and poverty alleviation, while Foreign Minister Wang also expressed his intention to support the development and promotion of island nations. I did.
On top of that, Foreign Minister Wang commented on his relationship with the region, saying, "China has never interfered with the domestic affairs of other countries or pursued geopolitical interests. I want to do it. "
Regarding this series of visits, while the United States and neighboring countries have indicated that China is trying to further expand its influence on the region, Foreign Minister Wang hopes to dispel such caution. Will be.
Expanding influence with "One Belt, One Road" The aim of Taiwan's control
China's Xi Jinping leadership has set up a giant economic zone concept, "One Belt, One Road," and has expanded its influence on the island nations of the Pacific Ocean with the help of huge amounts of support and investment.
Since these countries have vast exclusive economic zones and abundant fishery resources and seabed resources, it seems that there is a desire to secure these resources by supporting development.
Also, in terms of security, it seems that there is an aim to eliminate the influence of the United States in this region.
China signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands last month, but there are concerns that China may have military troops stationed there as it is considered an important region on the sea lanes of the United States and Australia. It has spread.
In particular, it is believed that there is an intention to limit the activities of the US military in the Pacific region in anticipation of a future Taiwan emergency, and the United States and other countries are increasing their vigilance.
The relationship with Taiwan is also a big factor.
There were many countries in this region that had diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but since the inauguration of the Tsai Ing-wen administration, which does not recognize the principle of "one China," China has intensified its severance, and three years ago, the Solomon Islands and Kiribati One after another, he broke with Taiwan and formed diplomatic relations with China.
Four countries in the Pacific region, such as Palau and the Marshall Islands, still maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and China seems to have the aim of restraining Taiwan by strengthening its influence on this region. ..
Temperature difference between island countries and China
Some of the 14 Pacific island nations are close to China, while others emphasize relations with the United States.
Of these, the Solomon Islands and Kiribati broke with Taiwan three years ago to form diplomatic relations with China and strengthen their ties.
The Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with China last month, and also agreed with Kiribati to sign a memorandum of understanding on the "One Belt, One Road" giant economic zone initiative advocated by China and promote economic cooperation with the Chinese side. I am.
On the other hand, some countries place great importance on relations with the United States.
Palau and the Marshall Islands, which maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, entrust the defense to the United States.
With the temperature difference between the island nations and China, Australia has long emphasized this region as a major donor.
Prime Minister Albany Gee, who just took office this month, has indicated that he will provide support such as infrastructure investment to mitigate the enormous damage caused by climate change to the island nations.
It seems that there is a speculation that we will try to maintain relations with the island nations by providing assistance to countries that are at risk due to climate change such as rising sea levels.
Expert "Island country Emphasis on countries that benefit your own country"
Experts familiar with the situation in the Pacific island nation say that while the Pacific region is a battleground between China and the United States, the island nation will provide support in areas of its own interest, such as infrastructure development and climate change countermeasures. I point out that I am in a position to emphasize.
"We are not a party to the geopolitical competition between the United States and China," said Mihai Sora, an Australian think tank at the Lowey Institute. I am in a position to strengthen relations with the countries that will become. I think it is up to the island nation to decide which country to deepen relations with as a sovereign nation. "
On top of that, Australia's Prime Minister Albany Gee, who just took office this month, said that he would strengthen support for the Pacific island nation. It is trying to provide support and presence in the areas that residents are looking for. Australia is embarking on strengthening relations with island nations, along with the threat of China's growing influence. There may be the fact that it has not been able to fully establish a comprehensive relationship with the region until now. " I showed my point of view.