Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who spent the past week traveling across the Pacific, said more talks were needed to “form more consensus on cooperation.”
China has halted its plans to sign a trade and security agreement across the region with the Pacific Island nations.
The decision comes after a high-level meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and leaders of 10 Pacific Island countries in Fiji on Monday afternoon.
Wang, who spent the past week meeting with his Pacific counterparts, said the nations had agreed on five areas for co-operation, but more discussion was needed.
Play more Chinese news with Flash. More than 25 news channels in one place. New to Flash? Try 1 month for free. The offer ends on October 31, 2022
“China will publish its own position paper on our own positions and proposals and proposals for cooperation with the Pacific island countries,” Wang said.
“From now on, we will continue to have ongoing and in – depth debates and consultations to shape further consensus on cooperation.
“Don’t be too anxious and not too nervous, because the common development and prosperity of China and all other developing countries will only mean great harmony, more justice and greater progress around the world.”
Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said there is still a “first consensus” approach to regional agreements.
“As always, we put consensus first among our countries during any discussion on new regional agreements,” Bainimarama said at a news conference with Wang.
“Fiji will continue to look for fertile ground for our bilateral relationship. The challenges facing our people will only intensify until collective solutions emerge to address them.
“And I am grateful to the Minister and his team for bringing the spirit of productive cooperation with them to Fiji.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi landed in the Solomon Islands last Thursday in an attempt to consolidate Beijing’s presence in the Pacific region.
A draft statement and a five-year action plan were sent to 10 Pacific island countries covering policing, security, trade, the sea and data communication.
China’s ambassador to Fiji, Qian Bo, said that while there had been general support from countries, the deal had stalled after some countries expressed concern.
“There has been general support from the 10 countries with which we have diplomatic relations, but of course there are some concerns on specific issues.”