New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and U.S. President Joe Biden expressed their shared concern for China’s ambitions to expand its influence in the South Pacific.
Prime Minister Ardern met with the President at the White House on Tuesday and specifically raised the issue of the Chinese security pact with the Solomon Islands:
“In this regard, we note with concern the security agreement between the People’s Republic of China and the Solomon Islands. In particular, the United States and New Zealand share a concern that the establishment of a persistent military presence in the Pacific by a state that does not share our values or security interests would fundamentally alter the strategic balance of the region and pose national-security concerns to both our countries.” the White House said in a statement. (REUTERS)
?? China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi spent Tuesday in Tonga where he signed a number of deals with Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni on everything from disaster management to a royal tomb improvement project. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
?? On Wednesday, Wang landed in Vanuatu as he continued his regional island-hopping tour two days after failing to ink an ambitious deal with 10 South Pacific nations. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
SUGGESTED READING:
- The New York Times: Why China Is Miles Ahead in a Pacific Race for Influence by Damien Cave
- CBS News: China’s Pacific Islands investment ambitions put on hold for now, but if U.S. doesn’t make a move, Beijing will be back by Elizabeth Palmer
