CHINA'S plans to sign a trade and security with 10 Pacific Island nations were dealt a setback because of concerns with the proposal, reports Bloomberg.
Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama declared the Pacific island nations were united in their approach. 'We put consensus first among our countries throughout any discussion on new regional agreements.'
There had been signs that Pacific nations were uneasy with china expanding its role in the region.
Micronesian President David Panuelo criticised China's plans, warning they could spark a Cold War.
Documents show China was proposing ideas such as a free-trade deal and a special envoy for the Pacific nations, and that diplomats from the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Niue, and Federated States of Micronesia would attend.
Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that his nation was willing to work with the countries to create a closer-knit community.
Some countries appear to be moving ahead with limited deals with China, though the details are murky.
For example, there were reports that Samoa agreed to greater collaboration, including on infrastructure projects.
Chinese Foreign Ministry representative Zhao Lijian avoided answering questions about any pacts with Kiribati and Samoa during a regular press briefing.
SeaNews Turkey
Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama declared the Pacific island nations were united in their approach. 'We put consensus first among our countries throughout any discussion on new regional agreements.'
There had been signs that Pacific nations were uneasy with china expanding its role in the region.
Micronesian President David Panuelo criticised China's plans, warning they could spark a Cold War.
Documents show China was proposing ideas such as a free-trade deal and a special envoy for the Pacific nations, and that diplomats from the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Niue, and Federated States of Micronesia would attend.
Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that his nation was willing to work with the countries to create a closer-knit community.
Some countries appear to be moving ahead with limited deals with China, though the details are murky.
For example, there were reports that Samoa agreed to greater collaboration, including on infrastructure projects.
Chinese Foreign Ministry representative Zhao Lijian avoided answering questions about any pacts with Kiribati and Samoa during a regular press briefing.
SeaNews Turkey
