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Coral reef in the Pacific Ocean off the Fiji Islands: this is where the Chinese Foreign Minister wants to explain his country's plans
Photo: Mark Conlin / VWPics / imago images
During his first trip to Asia a few days ago, US President Joe Biden made it clear that his country was standing up to China.
Now it is known: China obviously wants to expand its sphere of influence in the South Pacific and has presented plans for comprehensive security and economic cooperation with the states there.
The news agencies Reuters and AFP report unanimously.
The far-reaching draft contract from Wednesday provides, among other things, for millions of Chinese investments in ten small island states.
In return, Beijing would help train local police and gain better access to local natural resources.
Western leaders, but also regional heads of government fear a loss of control in the South Pacific.
The plan also offers the island nations the prospect of a free trade deal with Beijing and access to China's vast economic market.
The People's Republic, on the other hand, would not only be involved in police training, but also in the expansion of cyber security.
There are also missions for critical ocean mapping and resource access.
The plan will probably be up for discussion when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosts a conference in Fiji next week.
»To gain access and control over our region«
In the region, however, the draft is causing some unrest.
In a forceful letter to other Pacific leaders, Micronesia President David Panuelo warned that while the deal was "attractive at first glance, it would allow China to gain access and control over our region."
Micronesia has long been a close US partner in the region.
Panuelo called China's proposals "insincere."
They would "ensure Chinese influence over governments," enable Chinese "economic control" over key industries, and "mass surveillance" of local communications.
The South Pacific is increasingly becoming the arena of competition between China and the United States.
Beijing has been attempting to establish a larger military, political and economic presence in the South Pacific for some time.
Most recently, it signed a far-reaching security agreement with the Solomon Islands.
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South Pacific: China signs 'security deal' with Solomon Islands
The US and Australia have long feared China could set up a naval base in the South Pacific.
This would allow the Chinese Navy to extend its power far beyond its borders.
US State Department spokesman Ned Price expressed concern after China's specific plans, which he described as opaque, became public on Wednesday.
dop/AFP/Reuters