Following the announcement that US Secretary of State Tony Blincoln would visit Papua New Guinea next week, China warned on the 19th that a “geopolitical game” should not take place in the South Pacific.
The United States canceled the historic visit to Papua New Guinea and Australia for the quad summit so that President Joe Biden could focus on debt ceiling negotiations, and Secretary of State Blincoln decided to visit Papua New Guinea instead.
The United States is putting a greater focus on the Pacific region to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, “China has no objections to normal exchanges and cooperation between relevant countries and Pacific island countries, and has always insisted that the international community pay more attention to and support the development and revitalization of island countries.” said.
Spokesperson Wang added, however, that “China is resolutely opposed to the introduction of geopolitical games in the Pacific Islands region.”
The visit to Papua New Guinea, which President Biden canceled, was the first visit to Papua New Guinea by a sitting US president.
The Pacific Islands region has lost US interest in the aftermath of the Cold War, and China has increasingly filled the void through increased aid, development, and security cooperation. The United States and its regional partners Australia and New Zealand were particularly concerned after China signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands last year that would allow for the stationing of Chinese naval vessels and Chinese troops.
The Solomon Islands later agreed to sign an agreement between the United States and more than a dozen Pacific nations after indirect references to China were deleted, and the Solomon Islands foreign minister said he did not want to be forced to side with either country.
President Biden invited leaders of more than 12 Pacific Island countries to the White House in September of last year and announced a new strategy to help the region for climate change and maritime security, and a second summit is planned for the end of this year.
The Biden US administration also recently opened embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga, and plans to open an embassy in Kiribati as well.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller announced Minister Blincoln’s visit to Papua New Guinea on the 18th, without mentioning China, saying, “Minister Blincoln, who is visiting Papua New Guinea on the 21st and 22nd, will respond to the climate crisis and promote inclusiveness for Pacific Islanders. We will discuss common priorities, including promoting economic growth and highlighting the United States’ commitment to realizing a prosperous, resilient and secure Pacific Island region.”
[베이징=AP/뉴시스]
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.