A senior official of US Department of State told the US Congress on Tuesday that the Biden administration was confident of reaching a strategic agreement with the Marshall Islands. The Pacific island nation's foreign minister had called for more US money to deal with the legacy of massive U.S. nuclear testing to enable his country to extend a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with Washington governing bilateral relations.

Assistant Secretary Daniel Kritenbrink told a subcommittee of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee that the administration was "absolutely committed" to reaching an agreement with the Marshall Islands, calling such agreements "central to our entire position in the Pacific."

"Every one of our partners, sovereign partners, in the Pacific, they have their own needs, desires, their own politics," Kritenbrink said, declining to give more details about the negotiations. "We're working through that right now, but I'm confident that we will get there."

The Marshall Islands and two other Pacific island nations are covered by COFAs. Under this, the US has responsibility for their defence and providing economic assistance, while gaining exclusive access to huge strategic swathes of the Pacific.

In May, the US announced that it had finalised terms of COFA with Micronesia and Palau. However, talks with the Marshall Islands are yet to result in an agreement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-he-is-likely-to-get-arrested-in-january-6-riot-case-617156">Donald Trump says he is likely to get arrested in January 6 riot case</a>

Renewal of the deal, subject to approval from the Congress, has become a key part of US efforts to shore up its influence in the region.

China has been taking assertive steps to gain influence in the region traditionally considered to be backyard of Australia and New Zealand. Chinese assertiveness has shaken Western powers, including the US to renew efforts to engage with Pacific Island nations.

Under memorandums of understanding agreed this year, the US will commit a total of $7.1 billion over 20 years to the three nations.

Marshall Islanders are still plagued by health and environmental effects of 67 US nuclear bomb tests from 1946 to 1958, which included "Castle Bravo" at Bikini Atoll in 1954 - the largest US bomb ever detonated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A senior official of US Department of State told the US Congress on Tuesday that the Biden administration was confident of reaching a strategic agreement with the Marshall Islands.

A senior official of US Department of State told the US Congress on Tuesday that the Biden administration was confident of reaching a strategic agreement with the Marshall Islands. The Pacific island nation's foreign minister had called for more US money to deal with the legacy of massive U.S. nuclear testing to enable his country to extend a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with Washington governing bilateral relations. Assistant Secretary Daniel Kritenbrink told a subcommittee of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee that the administration was "absolutely committed" to reaching an agreement with the Marshall Islands, calling such agreements "central to our entire position in the Pacific." "Every one of our partners, sovereign partners, in the Pacific, they have their own needs, desires, their own politics," Kritenbrink said, declining to give more details about the negotiations. "We're working through that right now, but I'm confident that we will get there." The Marshall Islands and two other Pacific island nations are covered by COFAs. Under this, the US has responsibility for their defence and providing economic assistance, while gaining exclusive access to huge strategic swathes of the Pacific. In May, the US announced that it had finalised terms of COFA with Micronesia and Palau. However, talks with the Marshall Islands are yet to result in an agreement. Also Read | Donald Trump says he is likely to get arrested in January 6 riot case Renewal of the deal, subject to approval from the Congress, has become a key part of US efforts to shore up its influence in the region. China has been taking assertive steps to gain influence in the region traditionally considered to be backyard of Australia and New Zealand. Chinese assertiveness has shaken Western powers, including the US to renew efforts to engage with Pacific Island nations. Under memorandums of understanding agreed this year, the US will commit a total of $7.1 billion over 20 years to the three nations. Marshall Islanders are still plagued by health and environmental effects of 67 US nuclear bomb tests from 1946 to 1958, which included "Castle Bravo" at Bikini Atoll in 1954 - the largest US bomb ever detonated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US upbeat about reaching agreement with Marshall Islands on COFA terms

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said on Wednesday (June 7) that the country is finalising a defence agreement with New Zealand which will see the two nations increase military engagement. New Zealand will help build capacity and skills in Fiji Defence Force. PM Rabuka told media in Wellington that the agreement would be finalised next week. In Wellington, he is meeting senior New Zealand government officials including Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and opposition leader.

“The agreement will allow defence officials to undertake engagement in different areas including capacity building and upskilling and exposure to new technologies interoperability and technical support among other,” he said.

China is making bold forays and engaging with Pacific island nations previously considered to be in the influence zone of Australia and New Zealand. This has shaken these countries and the US and they have started their own engagement process. This engagement is also aimed to deter Pacific Island nations from forming security pacts with China.

Watch | Gravitas: China enhances world's most powerful explosive

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China has already struck such a pact with Solomon Islands last year.

<h2>USA moves to counter China</h2>

In the month of May this year, the US and Papua New Guinea signed a defence cooperation pact as well as a maritime surveillance deal. Australia too, is signing a security treaty with Papua New Guinea and has signed another such deal with Vanuatu.

New Zealand last year signed a partnership statement with Fiji where they agreed to work more closely together in areas such as security, protecting shared interests and economic resilience.

In Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, concerns about becoming embroiled in competition between US and China has become a domestic political issue. Regional leaders have raised concerns about the Pacific getting militarised.

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Rabuka said the region would only need to worry about militarisation of the region if diplomacy and common neighbourly discussions fail.

“I am sure we can continue our neighbourly cooperation and keep away discussions of other military interests in the region,” he said.

Rabuka met New Zealand PM Chris Hipkins earlier on Wednesday in private and discussed a number of matters. The two leaders said that the talks included economic ties climate change and Fiji’s recovery from climate change.

Hipkins at the joint press conference reiterated the need for region to work together.

“We know we are stronger when we combine our collective efforts and focus on pacific regionalism and the priorities of the blue pacific continent,” Hipkins said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said on Wednesday (June 7) that the country is finalising a defence agreement with New Zealand which will see the two nations increase military engagement.

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said on Wednesday (June 7) that the country is finalising a defence agreement with New Zealand which will see the two nations increase military engagement. New Zealand will help build capacity and skills in Fiji Defence Force. PM Rabuka told media in Wellington that the agreement would be finalised next week. In Wellington, he is meeting senior New Zealand government officials including Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and opposition leader. “The agreement will allow defence officials to undertake engagement in different areas including capacity building and upskilling and exposure to new technologies interoperability and technical support among other,” he said. China is making bold forays and engaging with Pacific island nations previously considered to be in the influence zone of Australia and New Zealand. This has shaken these countries and the US and they have started their own engagement process. This engagement is also aimed to deter Pacific Island nations from forming security pacts with China. Watch | Gravitas: China enhances world's most powerful explosive × China has already struck such a pact with Solomon Islands last year. USA moves to counter China In the month of May this year, the US and Papua New Guinea signed a defence cooperation pact as well as a maritime surveillance deal. Australia too, is signing a security treaty with Papua New Guinea and has signed another such deal with Vanuatu. New Zealand last year signed a partnership statement with Fiji where they agreed to work more closely together in areas such as security, protecting shared interests and economic resilience. In Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, concerns about becoming embroiled in competition between US and China has become a domestic political issue. Regional leaders have raised concerns about the Pacific getting militarised. Also Read | South Korea, Japan scramble fighter jets after Russia, China hold joint patrol over Pacific Rabuka said the region would only need to worry about militarisation of the region if diplomacy and common neighbourly discussions fail. “I am sure we can continue our neighbourly cooperation and keep away discussions of other military interests in the region,” he said. Rabuka met New Zealand PM Chris Hipkins earlier on Wednesday in private and discussed a number of matters. The two leaders said that the talks included economic ties climate change and Fiji’s recovery from climate change. Hipkins at the joint press conference reiterated the need for region to work together. “We know we are stronger when we combine our collective efforts and focus on pacific regionalism and the priorities of the blue pacific continent,” Hipkins said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Fiji to sign defence agreement with New Zealand, says PM

On Tuesday, Solomon Islands foreign minister Jeremiah Manele revealed that the country had initially refused to sign the United States government’s much-touted Pacific partnership deal until “indirect” references to China were removed from the agreement. The deal was meant strengthen Washington’s ties with at least 14 Pacific nations and included provisions for increased cooperation on maritime security, climate change and economic development.

The remarks by Manele were the first time that Solomon Islands publicly acknowledged the concerns it had with the draft of the agreement. “There were some references that put us in a position where we’ll have to choose sides, and we did not want to be placed in a position where we have to choose sides,” Manele told reporters in New Zealand's Wellington.&nbsp;

According to reports, the final draft of the pact had a small section on security with broad language that did not particularly mention China, but specifically condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, when the foreign minister was asked during the press conference if the text was referring to Beijing, he responded by saying “indirectly.”

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/solomon-islands-refuses-to-sign-declaration-amid-historic-us-pacific-summit-520552">Solomon Islands defers signing of declaration amid historic US-Pacific summit, seeks more time</a>

He went on to say that the initial draft had some references that they were “not comfortable with”, however after further negotiations and discussions the officials were able to “find common ground”. The Solomon Islands minister is currently on a visit to New Zealand where he met with his counterpart Nanaia Mahuta, in Wellington.&nbsp;

While it was unclear as to which section of the draft was the point of concern for the island nation, a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) news said that a provision which read that the nations “consult with one another closely on security decisions with regional impacts” later was removed from the final draft of the declaration.&nbsp;

On the other hand, a report released on Wednesday, by a think tank in Australia alleges that the Chinese Communist Party has tried to attempt to undermine the Pacific island nation’s relations with the US and Australia. They have done this by spreading false narratives through local media and the use of social media channels in the Solomon Islands, said the report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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On Tuesday, Solomon Islands foreign minister Jeremiah Manele revealed that the country had initially refused to sign the United States government’s much-touted Pacific partnership deal until “indirect” references to China were removed from the agreement.

On Tuesday, Solomon Islands foreign minister Jeremiah Manele revealed that the country had initially refused to sign the United States government’s much-touted Pacific partnership deal until “indirect” references to China were removed from the agreement. The deal was meant strengthen Washington’s ties with at least 14 Pacific nations and included provisions for increased cooperation on maritime security, climate change and economic development. The remarks by Manele were the first time that Solomon Islands publicly acknowledged the concerns it had with the draft of the agreement. “There were some references that put us in a position where we’ll have to choose sides, and we did not want to be placed in a position where we have to choose sides,” Manele told reporters in New Zealand's Wellington. According to reports, the final draft of the pact had a small section on security with broad language that did not particularly mention China, but specifically condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, when the foreign minister was asked during the press conference if the text was referring to Beijing, he responded by saying “indirectly.” ALSO READ: Solomon Islands defers signing of declaration amid historic US-Pacific summit, seeks more time He went on to say that the initial draft had some references that they were “not comfortable with”, however after further negotiations and discussions the officials were able to “find common ground”. The Solomon Islands minister is currently on a visit to New Zealand where he met with his counterpart Nanaia Mahuta, in Wellington. While it was unclear as to which section of the draft was the point of concern for the island nation, a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) news said that a provision which read that the nations “consult with one another closely on security decisions with regional impacts” later was removed from the final draft of the declaration. On the other hand, a report released on Wednesday, by a think tank in Australia alleges that the Chinese Communist Party has tried to attempt to undermine the Pacific island nation’s relations with the US and Australia. They have done this by spreading false narratives through local media and the use of social media channels in the Solomon Islands, said the report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, reported the Associated Press. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Solomon Islands wanted 'indirect' Chinese references removed from US-led Pacific partnership deal

The United States has agreed on a historic partnership with leaders from the Pacific islands which can result in “big dollar” help for the region. It was a step taken by the US&nbsp;to stop the growing influence of China in the region as the aid is expected to be announced at the&nbsp;Pacific Islands Country Summit.&nbsp;

According to Washington Post, US President Joe Biden can announce an investment of around $860 million in various programs in order to help the islands. While no official statement has come from the White House, a US official told Reuters that the agreement for the investments is in place.&nbsp;

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This was the first time that the US hosted a summit involving leaders from the Pacific islands. Secretary of state&nbsp;Antony Blinken held meetings with all the major leaders in the summit and welcomed all the participating nations by saying&nbsp;- “You can count on the United States partnering with you.”&nbsp;

While it was reported that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will not be signing the declaration with the US, reports suggest that he has also agreed to the proposed plans.&nbsp;

In April this year, the Solomon Islands signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement with China which focused on boosting the security capacity as well as humanitarian assistance in the region.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-poised-to-announce-annexation-after-sham-referendum-in-ukraine-520734">Russia poised to announce annexation after 'sham' referendum in Ukraine</a>

While there were no mentions of China, Blinken said that the US would work with the islands on “preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific where every nation – no matter how big, no matter how small – has the right to choose its own path.”&nbsp;

Joe Biden will be hosting the leaders from the Pacific islands on Thursday.&nbsp;

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The United States has agreed on a historic partnership with leaders from the Pacific islands which can result in “big dollar” help for the region. It was a step taken by the US to stop the growing influence of China in the region as the aid is expected to be announced at the Pacific Islands Country Summit.

The United States has agreed on a historic partnership with leaders from the Pacific islands which can result in “big dollar” help for the region. It was a step taken by the US to stop the growing influence of China in the region as the aid is expected to be announced at the Pacific Islands Country Summit. According to Washington Post, US President Joe Biden can announce an investment of around $860 million in various programs in order to help the islands. While no official statement has come from the White House, a US official told Reuters that the agreement for the investments is in place. Also read | More than 1.8 million without power as Hurricane Ian causes havoc in Florida This was the first time that the US hosted a summit involving leaders from the Pacific islands. Secretary of state Antony Blinken held meetings with all the major leaders in the summit and welcomed all the participating nations by saying - “You can count on the United States partnering with you.” While it was reported that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will not be signing the declaration with the US, reports suggest that he has also agreed to the proposed plans. In April this year, the Solomon Islands signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement with China which focused on boosting the security capacity as well as humanitarian assistance in the region. Also read | Russia poised to announce annexation after 'sham' referendum in Ukraine While there were no mentions of China, Blinken said that the US would work with the islands on “preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific where every nation – no matter how big, no matter how small – has the right to choose its own path.” Joe Biden will be hosting the leaders from the Pacific islands on Thursday.

United States and Pacific island nations agree to ‘declaration of partnership’, says Blinken

United States President Joe Biden and his government are in the midst of hosting a landmark summit at the White House with the Pacific island nations to bolster ties. However, the Solomon Islands have deferred signing the draft of the US-led agreement.&nbsp;

This comes amid weeks of negotiations on a joint agreement to strengthen ties between the Pacific Islands and the US and ahead of the high-profile presidential summit to be hosted by Washington. The summit which starts on Wednesday has also been called “unprecedented” by US officials as this would be the first time the White House would host the Pacific Island leaders.&nbsp;

According to US officials, leaders from strategic archipelagos will be attending including representatives of two French territories and the US territory of Guam. Everyone from the cabinet secretaries to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been invited including the head of the US Coast Guard which reportedly maintains a security presence in the Pacific. &nbsp;

Leaders from Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia, will be attending the summit, said the White House. Meanwhile, island nations Vanuatu and Nauru will be sending representatives and Australia and New Zealand are attending as observers.

This summit is partly seen as an attempt by the US to strengthen ties and intensify its presence in the Pacific countries amid China’s growing engagement in the region. Additionally, earlier this year, the Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with Beijing which reportedly came as a shock to the diplomatic community in US and Australia. However, the country’s leader Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has denied the possibility of allowing China to establish a military base or presence on the island.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-allow-chinese-military-base-and-know-ramification-solomon-islands-467309">Won't allow Chinese military base, we know 'ramification': Solomon Islands</a>

Currently, Washington is dealing with a major blow after the Solomon Islands has reportedly deferred signing the document. The 11-point declaration between the country will provide a framework for US engagement in the region as it moves forward to increase its diplomatic, development and commercial presence in the region, the ABC reported.&nbsp;

According to the Guardian, the Solomon Islands addressed a note to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, saying that they need time to reflect and discuss and they will not be in a position to adopt the declaration this week. There is no clear indication of why the island nation has decided to hold off on signing the pact.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, other Pacific nations have welcomed the US’s engagement in the region, while asserting that it will be done on their terms, said the local media. On the other hand, the President of Federated States of Micronesia, David Panuelo, has indicated that it was a “very involved process” while speaking about the agreement.&nbsp;

According to a report by ABC, this declaration will cover topics ranging from climate change to the legacy of nuclear testing, there are also provisions for economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic, security and illegal fishing. However, government and media sources have stressed that negotiations are underway and these aspects are just a broad framework of issues discussed for intensified US engagement in the Pacific and it is likely subject to change.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-expresses-commitment-to-pacific-islands-that-rejected-china-pact-483952">US expresses commitment to Pacific islands that rejected China pact</a>

According to the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, during the summit, Biden is set to discuss, “our broadening and deepened cooperation on key issues such as climate change, pandemic and economic recovery, maritime security, environmental protection, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific”.&nbsp;

This draft has also been compared to the regional economic and security deal proposed by China earlier this year, which was later rejected by the 10 Pacific Island leaders. The deal was extremely detailed with committing sums of money, and programs, including the number of Chinese art troupes that will be sent for a cultural exchange program. In terms of security, Beijing would have expanded the training of police forces, and constructed labs for fingerprint testing, drugs, forensic autopsy, and so on.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden and his government are in the midst of hosting a landmark summit at the White House with the Pacific island nations to bolster ties.

United States President Joe Biden and his government are in the midst of hosting a landmark summit at the White House with the Pacific island nations to bolster ties. However, the Solomon Islands have deferred signing the draft of the US-led agreement. This comes amid weeks of negotiations on a joint agreement to strengthen ties between the Pacific Islands and the US and ahead of the high-profile presidential summit to be hosted by Washington. The summit which starts on Wednesday has also been called “unprecedented” by US officials as this would be the first time the White House would host the Pacific Island leaders. According to US officials, leaders from strategic archipelagos will be attending including representatives of two French territories and the US territory of Guam. Everyone from the cabinet secretaries to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been invited including the head of the US Coast Guard which reportedly maintains a security presence in the Pacific. Leaders from Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia, will be attending the summit, said the White House. Meanwhile, island nations Vanuatu and Nauru will be sending representatives and Australia and New Zealand are attending as observers. This summit is partly seen as an attempt by the US to strengthen ties and intensify its presence in the Pacific countries amid China’s growing engagement in the region. Additionally, earlier this year, the Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with Beijing which reportedly came as a shock to the diplomatic community in US and Australia. However, the country’s leader Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has denied the possibility of allowing China to establish a military base or presence on the island. ALSO READ: Won't allow Chinese military base, we know 'ramification': Solomon Islands Currently, Washington is dealing with a major blow after the Solomon Islands has reportedly deferred signing the document. The 11-point declaration between the country will provide a framework for US engagement in the region as it moves forward to increase its diplomatic, development and commercial presence in the region, the ABC reported. According to the Guardian, the Solomon Islands addressed a note to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, saying that they need time to reflect and discuss and they will not be in a position to adopt the declaration this week. There is no clear indication of why the island nation has decided to hold off on signing the pact. Meanwhile, other Pacific nations have welcomed the US’s engagement in the region, while asserting that it will be done on their terms, said the local media. On the other hand, the President of Federated States of Micronesia, David Panuelo, has indicated that it was a “very involved process” while speaking about the agreement. According to a report by ABC, this declaration will cover topics ranging from climate change to the legacy of nuclear testing, there are also provisions for economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic, security and illegal fishing. However, government and media sources have stressed that negotiations are underway and these aspects are just a broad framework of issues discussed for intensified US engagement in the Pacific and it is likely subject to change. ALSO READ: US expresses commitment to Pacific islands that rejected China pact According to the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, during the summit, Biden is set to discuss, “our broadening and deepened cooperation on key issues such as climate change, pandemic and economic recovery, maritime security, environmental protection, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific”. This draft has also been compared to the regional economic and security deal proposed by China earlier this year, which was later rejected by the 10 Pacific Island leaders. The deal was extremely detailed with committing sums of money, and programs, including the number of Chinese art troupes that will be sent for a cultural exchange program. In terms of security, Beijing would have expanded the training of police forces, and constructed labs for fingerprint testing, drugs, forensic autopsy, and so on. (With inputs from agencies)

Solomon Islands defers signing of declaration amid historic US-Pacific summit, seeks more time

China is back on the table with its undermining tactics yet again. Not a part of the Pacific Island Forum, China hosted a separate dialogue with several political parties and business leaders of the Pacific island nations on the last day (Thursday) of the four-day event in Fiji.&nbsp;

According to Chinese mouthpieces, the Chinese embassy in the capital city of Suva hosted the leaders of the region in person and via video conferencing. The&nbsp;Chinese embassy in Fiji even posted the photographs of the meeting on its official handle.

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Today, the IDCPC hosted the 2nd China-PICs Political Leadership Dialogue, joined by Hon. <a href="https://twitter.com/ISeruiratu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ISeruiratu</a> and other delegates of PICs. HE Amb. Qian Bo also attended. Mutual respect, equality, win-win cooperation, openness and inclusiveness remains key features of China-PICs relations. <a href="https://t.co/SbWN7Aeznr">pic.twitter.com/SbWN7Aeznr</a>
— Chinese Embassy in Fiji (@ChineseEmb_FJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChineseEmb_FJ/status/1547527195223986177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

This meeting came on the same day as Pacific Island Forum leaders met and decided to resolve the geopolitical issues within 'the family'.&nbsp;

As mentioned earlier, China is not a part of the Pacific Island Forum but it is among the 20 dialogue partners that also include the USA. Beijing might have been antagonized as the USA and its Vice President Kamala Harris were allowed to address the forum via video conferencing, a day earlier (Wednesday). However, no such courtesy was extended to the Chinese.&nbsp;

Frank Bainimarama, the Forum chair and Fiji prime minister in his opening remarks had taken a veiled potshot at China. Reportedly, Frank stated that the region had been caught in a crossfire of 'three deadly C's: Covid, climate and conflict'. Both Covid and conflict have a close connection with China and it must have irked the Chinese leaders who had also sent their alleged spies to the meet.

Reportedly, two Chinese attaches were identified by the journalists during the forum. When confronted, one was identified as a Chinese embassy official. Both were later escorted out of the forum meeting.&nbsp;

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It is utterly fake news that some western media reports said that two Chinese defence attaches posed as journalists and were asked to leave by Fiji Police. Chinese Embassy representatives attended relevant meetings and events of the PIFLM in accordance with rules and practice. <a href="https://t.co/tgbkHFKOcH">pic.twitter.com/tgbkHFKOcH</a>
— Chinese Embassy in Fiji (@ChineseEmb_FJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChineseEmb_FJ/status/1547444856653770752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

China and the US have been vying for a position of strength in the Pacific. China, despite its slow economic growth, has not let up its guard when it comes to its expansionist policies.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-economic-growth-drops-to-04-per-cent-amid-draconian-lockdown-measures-and-severe-heatwave-497575">China's economic growth drops to 0.4 per cent amid draconian lockdown measures and severe heatwave</a>

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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China is back on the table with its undermining tactics yet again. Not a part of the Pacific Island Forum, China hosted a separate dialogue with several political parties and business leaders of the Pacific island nations on the last day (Thursday) of the four-day event in Fiji.

China is back on the table with its undermining tactics yet again. Not a part of the Pacific Island Forum, China hosted a separate dialogue with several political parties and business leaders of the Pacific island nations on the last day (Thursday) of the four-day event in Fiji. According to Chinese mouthpieces, the Chinese embassy in the capital city of Suva hosted the leaders of the region in person and via video conferencing. The Chinese embassy in Fiji even posted the photographs of the meeting on its official handle. Today, the IDCPC hosted the 2nd China-PICs Political Leadership Dialogue, joined by Hon. @ISeruiratu and other delegates of PICs. HE Amb. Qian Bo also attended. Mutual respect, equality, win-win cooperation, openness and inclusiveness remains key features of China-PICs relations. pic.twitter.com/SbWN7Aeznr — Chinese Embassy in Fiji (@ChineseEmb_FJ) July 14, 2022 × This meeting came on the same day as Pacific Island Forum leaders met and decided to resolve the geopolitical issues within 'the family'. As mentioned earlier, China is not a part of the Pacific Island Forum but it is among the 20 dialogue partners that also include the USA. Beijing might have been antagonized as the USA and its Vice President Kamala Harris were allowed to address the forum via video conferencing, a day earlier (Wednesday). However, no such courtesy was extended to the Chinese. Frank Bainimarama, the Forum chair and Fiji prime minister in his opening remarks had taken a veiled potshot at China. Reportedly, Frank stated that the region had been caught in a crossfire of 'three deadly C's: Covid, climate and conflict'. Both Covid and conflict have a close connection with China and it must have irked the Chinese leaders who had also sent their alleged spies to the meet. Reportedly, two Chinese attaches were identified by the journalists during the forum. When confronted, one was identified as a Chinese embassy official. Both were later escorted out of the forum meeting. It is utterly fake news that some western media reports said that two Chinese defence attaches posed as journalists and were asked to leave by Fiji Police. Chinese Embassy representatives attended relevant meetings and events of the PIFLM in accordance with rules and practice. pic.twitter.com/tgbkHFKOcH — Chinese Embassy in Fiji (@ChineseEmb_FJ) July 14, 2022 × China and the US have been vying for a position of strength in the Pacific. China, despite its slow economic growth, has not let up its guard when it comes to its expansionist policies. Read More: China's economic growth drops to 0.4 per cent amid draconian lockdown measures and severe heatwave (With inputs from agencies)

Bitter China hosts dialogue with Pacific island nations on the same day as Pacific Island Forum meeting

The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is all set to visit eight pacific island countries, his trip will start on May 26 and will conclude on June 4. Wang Yi will be visiting the Solomon islands to sign a security pact with them.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Pacific island nations