China and Australia exchange views on South Pacific affairs

On May 6, 2022, the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry exchanged views by video with officials from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on South Pacific affairs.

China stated its solemn position on China-Solomon Islands security cooperation, pointing out that China-Solomon Islands security cooperation is normal cooperation between the two sovereign states, based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and in line with international law and international practice. Relevant cooperation aims to help Solomon Islands maintain domestic stability and social security, conforms to the common interests of countries in the region, does not involve or target a third party, and runs parallel to and does not conflict with existing regional security cooperation arrangements. The Solomon Islands and South Pacific island nations are not the “backyard” of any country. China is a direct stakeholder in the security of the South Pacific region. China has no selfish interests in the South Pacific, does not seek “spheres of influence”, and does not engage in bullying and coercion, and will unswervingly advance practical cooperation with South Pacific island countries in all fields.

The two sides also exchanged views on their respective policies towards South Pacific island countries, epidemic fighting and economic recovery, fisheries and oceans, infrastructure development, climate change response and disaster prevention and mitigation, and other issues related to the South Pacific.