China’s foreign minister starts Pacific tour in the Solomons

Wellington, May 26 (BNA): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a delegation of 20 people arrived in the Solomon Islands today, Thursday, at the start of an eight-nation tour that comes amid growing concerns about Beijing’s military and financial ambitions in the South Pacific region. .

China signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands last month in a move that sent shockwaves around the world.

A draft document obtained by the Associated Press (AP) shows that Wang hopes to strike a deal with 10 small Pacific nations during his visit. The comprehensive agreement covers everything from security to fisheries and is seen by one Pacific leader as an attempt by Beijing to wrest control of the region.

Wang hopes the countries will ratify the pre-written agreement as part of a joint statement after a May 30 meeting in Fiji with other foreign ministers.

During his 10-day visit, Wang also plans to stop in Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and East Timor.

MI