China seeks to advance its trade and security ties with multiple island nations in Pacific, according a draft agreement, in a major challenge to US influence
Security aspects of agreement will be particularly troubling to many in region, especially after China signed a separate security pact with the Solomon Islands last month.
In Washington, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price expressed concern on Wednesday about China's intentions, saying Beijing might use the proposed accords to take advantage of the islands and destabilise the region. Wang is also holding virtual meetings with the other three potential signatories — the Cook Islands, Niue and the Federated States of Micronesia. He is hoping the countries will endorse the pre-written agreement as part of a joint communique after a May 30 meeting in Fiji he is holding with the foreign ministers from each of the 10 countries.
Micronesia has close ties to the US through a Compact of Free Association. But it also has what Panuelo describes in his letter as a "Great Friendship" with China that he hopes will continue despite his opposition to the agreement.
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