Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for cooperation and mutual development in the South Pacific region, emphasizing that it should not become an arena for major power rivalry.
Speaking on Saturday during talks with Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko, Wang Yi stated, “No country should regard any island country in the region as its ‘backyard.’ Countries should not seek zero-sum games or exclusive arrangements but should do more practical things for island countries and bring more benefits to their people.”
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, underscored China’s commitment to mutual support and common development with the South Pacific island countries through exchanges and cooperation, without seeking any geopolitical interests.
During the discussions in Port Moresby, Wang Yi highlighted the strategic importance of PNG to China. “China has always viewed and valued PNG’s role from a strategic perspective and developed bilateral relations with it from a long-term perspective,” he said.
He affirmed China’s readiness to work with PNG to implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, aiming to build a higher-level and higher-quality comprehensive strategic partnership.
“China will continue to treat PNG as an equal and firmly support it in safeguarding sovereignty, independence, and national unity, accelerating national revitalization, improving people’s livelihood, and playing a greater role in regional and multilateral affairs,” Wang Yi added.
Noting that PNG is an important partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, Wang Yi expressed China’s willingness to maintain high-level exchanges and initiate free trade agreement negotiations as soon as possible.
“China is ready to boost cooperation with PNG in economy, trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and fishery, clean energy, and climate change,” he said.
The meeting signifies a strengthening of ties between China and PNG, highlighting a mutual commitment to fostering peace, stability, and development in the South Pacific region.
Reference(s):
Wang Yi says South Pacific isn't place for a major power rivalry
cgtn.com
