China wants 10 Pacific nations to endorse sweeping agreement
Source: Associated Press
China wants 10 Pacific nations to endorse sweeping agreement
By NICK PERRY
May 25, 2022
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) China wants 10 small Pacific nations to endorse a sweeping agreement covering everything from security to fisheries in what one leader warns is a game-changing bid by Beijing to wrest control of the region.
A draft of the agreement obtained by The Associated Press shows that China wants to train Pacific police officers, team up on traditional and non-traditional security and expand law enforcement cooperation.
China also wants to jointly develop a marine plan for fisheries which would include the Pacifics lucrative tuna catch increase cooperation on running the regions internet networks, and set up cultural Confucius Institutes and classrooms. China also mentions the possibility of setting up a free trade area with the Pacific nations.
Chinas move comes as Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a 20-strong delegation begin a visit to the region this week.
Wang is visiting seven of the countries he hopes will endorse the Common Development Vision the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.
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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/wang-yi-beijing-china-new-zealand-96f78c97071116055ebc3e7c216a0ef8