China says not competing for influence in South Pacific

Australia's new foreign minister Penny Wong is trying to rebuild relations with the Pacific Islands on a 10-day trip

China has insisted it has "no intention to compete" for influence in the South Pacific as foreign minister Wang Yi and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong again jetted around the region Wednesday on duelling diplomatic charm offensives.

In a statement distributed by the Chinese embassy in Canberra, Beijing said it "does not seek exclusive rights" in the region and "we have no intention to compete with others".

"China respects Australia's historical and traditional ties in the region and there is enough space in the vast Pacific Ocean for China, Australia and all island countries to share peace, development and prosperity," the statement said.

In Vanuatu on Wednesday, agreements were announced on deepening economic ties and sending Chinese medical teams to the country.

Wang's South Pacific trip concludes with a stop in Papua New Guinea on Thursday and Friday.

The visit has prompted the newly elected Australian government to embark on a diplomatic blitz to shore up decades-old alliances.

Since being sworn in nine days ago, Wong has already visited Japan -- for a meeting of Quad countries the United States, India, Japan and Australia -- and Fiji. 

Rising sea levels are seen as an existential threat by many of the low-lying Pacific Island nations.

There would be no more "disrespecting" Pacific nations or "ignoring" their calls to act on climate change, she said.

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Originally published as China says not competing for influence in South Pacific