Fiji and Samoa reveal inside talks with China as Beijing says Pacific agreement still in reach

China has bluntly warned it is still confident of striking a security deal in the Pacific despite its ambassador failing to win over its leaders.

China has bluntly warned it is still confident of striking a security deal in the Pacific despite its ambassador failing to win over its leaders this week.

In a wide-ranging press conference from Beijing, deputy director of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Department Zhao Lijian was asked about the impasse as some Pacific leaders lean towards China while others express deep concern for the potential of another “World War II”.

Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa complained the deal with China was scrapped because “we did not have enough time to look at it” and called for a delay to look at the proposal “closely”, according to local media.

“It’s important that we have the chance to consult and have a combined voice on the regions position in order to have an impact,” she said.

Despite the backtrack by Pacific leaders, China released a “position paper” putting forward its “vision and proposal” for Pacific Island countries.

China has put forward a series of proposals in a position paper on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Pacific island countries, including appointing a Chinese government special envoy for Pacific island countries affairs https://t.co/0s45GV5uAipic.twitter.com/zOjwrV1fx6

— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) May 31, 2022

It announced Beijing will “appoint a special government envoy for affairs related to Pacific island countries, and strengthen win-win cooperation on infrastructure, economy, climate change and other areas”.

Infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and fishery, energy, mining, information and communication technology, e-commerce and tourism are all highlighted within the paper as China claimed at least 500 projects have been implemented in Pacific Island nations by Beijing.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holding a meeting with Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa in Apia, Samoa. Picture: Vaitogi Asuisui MATAFEO / SAMOA OBSERVER / AFP

Wang Yi (L) arrives for the meeting, Picture: Junior S.Ami / SAMOA OBSERVER / AFP

Yesterday, China confirmed its wide-ranging proposal for a Pacific regional agreement was on hold after weeks of tension with the West over the superpower’s regional diplomatic blitz.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with leaders and top officials from the Pacific Islands on Monday but failed to come to full agreement. According to the ABC, the security deal failed to reach consensus support from all 10 island nations.

Yet Zhao claimed the meeting was a “success” and that “parties had an in-depth discussion on how to deepen co-operation between the two sides in a united and friendly manner, and reached broad new consensus”.

He said discussions are “ongoing” for a final agreement with the 10 nations and is confident a final agreement will be made.

“All parties reached new consensus on this, making an important step towards reaching the final agreement. The parties agreed to continue to engage in active and practical discussions in order to build more consensus.”

Overnight, Wang talked of a “promising, bright future” with the Pacific after co-hosting the second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ meeting with Fijian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama in Suva, capital of Fiji.

“China stands firmly with Pacific island countries on their concerns such as national sovereignty and security, climate change, maritime rights and interests, and sustainable development,” he added, according to Chinese state media.

Foreign Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama holds talks with Wang Yi. Picture: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of People’s Republic of China

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa. Picture: Vaitogi Asuisui MATAFEO / SAMOA OBSERVER / AFP

According to a statement from China’s Foreign office obtained by news.com.au, Fijian Foreign Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama ”warmly congratulated the Communist Party of China on its centenary last year and on China’s continuous modernisation and growing international influence under the outstanding leadership of President Xi Jinping”.

Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere is also understood to have now met with Wang.

“Fiji will always remember that China always respects Fiji’s sovereignty and stands firmly with Fiji. Fiji will continue to firmly support the one-China principle and is ready to expand co-operation with China in various fields, such as infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, capacity building and sustainable development, and strengthen the Fiji-China partnership.”

However Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama tweeted on Monday that despite an “excellent meeting” with China, “the Pacific needs genuine partners, not superpowers that are super-focused on power”.

The Pacific needs genuine partners, not superpowers that are super-focussed on power. At an excellent meeting with Minister Wang Yi, I've sought stronger Chinese commitment to keep 1.5 alive, end illegal fishing, protect the #BluePacific's ocean, and expand Fijian exports. pic.twitter.com/vBSVJtDf6a

— Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) May 30, 2022

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in the Solomon Islands on May 26 and has been travelling the Pacific since, including Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and East Timor. Overnight, Zhao confirmed the delegation has spent the day in Tonga.

Deputy director of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Department Zhao Lijian. Picture: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of People’s Republic of China

Wang Yi said that “China-Fiji relations have withstood the test of the volatile international landscape.

“The more volatile and complex the international landscape becomes, the more important it is for China and Fiji to carry forward the traditional friendship, enhance strategic mutual trust, uphold the common interests of the two countries, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and regional peace and stability. China is Fiji’s reliable friend and partner.”

Local leaders have expressed concerns about “specific issues”, with Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr. revealing to ABC Radio’s Andy Park that Pacific leaders held fears of the potential for another “World War II” and didn’t “want to be put in a situation like that again”.

“We want to have peace and security in the region, and we don’t want to go through what we went through in World War II, so when we see these kinds of activities it does raise a concern for us,” he said.

Xi Jinping overnight. Picture: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of People’s Republic of China

Meanwhile Chinese President Xi Jinping has disregarded any mentions of the deal in written remarks at the second China-Pacific Island Countries (PIC) Foreign Ministers’ meeting.

Instead President Xi focused on “a time-honoured friendship that crosses mountains and oceans”.

“Xi Jinping stressed, maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and promoting development and prosperity of all countries are a shared aspiration of the people in the region as well as a common responsibility of regional countries.

“Xi Jinping stressed, when developing friendly relations with PICs, China stays committed to equality of all countries regardless of size, uphold justice while pursuing shared interests, and follows the principle of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith.

“No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China will always be PICs’ good friend cherishing the same ideals and following the same path.”