The Pacific countries recognized that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.

On Wednesday, China and 11 Pacific Island nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties, according to a joint statement released during a two-day meeting hosted in the city of Xiamen.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with diplomatic representatives from Kiribati, Niue, Tonga, Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Nauru, Fiji, and Samoa.

The countries issued a joint communique highlighting progress made on infrastructure and aid projects, along with expanded cooperation in various economic and social sectors.

“China’s assistance to Pacific Island countries is not attached to political conditions, is not imposed on others, and does not involve handing out ‘blank checks’,” the document stated and urged the Pacific nations to safeguard their autonomy and prioritize their development.

The Pacific countries “recognized that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.”

“China stated it would continue to provide support and assistance to Pacific Island countries in developing their economies and improving the living standards of their people to the best of its ability,” the communique said.

The sides agreed to identify key areas of cooperation, including emergency material reserves, climate change response, poverty reduction and development, disaster prevention, agriculture, and police training.

Following Wednesday’s meetings, China and the Pacific nations also agreed to explore the economic feasibility of increasing direct flights between China and the islands. The parties called on developed economies “to play a leading role in international initiatives to mitigate climate change and improve climate resilience,” citing the Pacific region’s vulnerability to global warming.

On Thursday, Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned the statements in the joint communique and reiterated that Taiwan and China “are not subordinate to each other.” While several Pacific nations have cut ties with Taipei in recent years in favor of relations with Beijing, the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Tuvalu still maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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