Sharjah 24 – AFP: Western powers sounded the alarm Thursday over leaked plans to dramatically expand China's security and economic reach in the South Pacific, in what one regional leader called a thinly veiled effort to lock island states into "Beijing's orbit".
If approved by Pacific island nations, the wide-ranging draft agreement and a five-year plan, both obtained by AFP, would give China a larger security footprint in a region seen as crucial to the interests of the United States and its allies.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi rejected Western criticism of Beijing's deepening engagement in the Pacific as he launched an eight-nation tour to present the potentially lucrative offer.
"China's cooperation with Pacific Island countries does not target any country," he said in the Solomon Islands' capital Honiara, while warning other countries not to interfere.
"All the Pacific island countries are entitled to make their own choice instead of being just mere followers of others," he told journalists.
The Chinese package would offer 10 small island states millions of dollars in assistance, the prospect of a China-Pacific Islands free trade agreement and access to China's vast market of 1.4 billion people.
It would also give China the chance to train local police, become involved in local cybersecurity, expand political ties, conduct sensitive marine mapping and gain greater access to natural resources.
The "comprehensive development vision" is believed to be up for approval when Wang meets regional foreign ministers on Monday in Fiji.
For an optimal experience, please
