Image Credit source: PTI
Economic ties between China and the Pacific island regions have already been historic. Native Chinese have lived in the region for more than 200 years as businessmen, laborers and refugees.
China has always been in the Pacific region (Pacific Region)Has been trying to establish its own dominance, which is a matter of concern for the rest of the world. Earlier this concern was only economic but now its meaning is being looked at in a more different way. Previously, China only invested in the fisheries and mining sectors, but in 2013 Xi Jinping (Xi Jinping) Following the Belt and Road Initiative, China has now developed in terms of overall economy, security and diplomacy. China has increased its presence in the island region in education, including law, agriculture and journalism. Of China (China)The scope of its interests has grown over the past decade due to these activities. China is ready to become a permanent partner in any country with which China has bitter relations, such as growing tensions with Taiwan and geopolitical instability.
Native Chinese inhabitants for over 200 years
In the Pacific Island region (Pacific Island Region) Relations with China and the island nations have been historic before economic relations. Native Chinese have lived in the region for more than 200 years as businessmen, laborers and refugees. These people came here from the south of China and the southeast of China. Prior to 1975, most of the Pacific island nations were occupied by Taiwan (Taiwan) Or the People’s Republic of China (People’s Republic Of China) Was recognized. Countries such as Fiji and Samoa were the first to recognize China in 1975. The other eight countries in the region are Papua New Guinea (1976), Vanuatu (1982), Micronesia (1989), Cook Islands (1997), Tonga (1998), Niue (2007), Solomon Islands (2019) and Kiribati in 2019. Established formal relations with China.
52 economic and security agreements between China and island nations
The 2014 meeting in Nadi, Fiji, between Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of eight other Pacific island nations is seen as a step towards China’s expansion. Xi then invited these leaders to China and then the leaders of these island countries signed the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) Memorandum. At the same time, foreign direct investment has increased by 175 percent in two years. Recently, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also visited seven Pacific island countries, showing how China’s presence is not limited to economic ties. Wang Yi has signed 52 bilateral economic and security agreements with these countries during this period, further strengthening his position as a regional partner.
China is increasing its presence in island countries
China provided about $ 1.8 billion in aid to Oceania between 1950 and 2012, and according to one report, China is second only to Australia in aid to the Pacific. In addition, between 2000 and 2012, trade between China and its partners in the Pacific increased from $ 24.8 billion to $ 1.77 billion. A security agreement was signed between the Solomon Islands and China in April this year. However this information is still unclear. It is believed that under this China will deploy its police force and security personnel to maintain security in the archipelago. There are also fears that China could set up a military base here.
Notably, the Chinese government describes its growing presence as a South-South cooperation, under which knowledge, resources and technology are exchanged and prioritized between these regional countries. Let me tell you that since 2014, there have been 32 meetings between the governments of the countries in the Pacific and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which demonstrates the diplomacy of visits.