How important is the flourishing development of China Exchange relations?, Establishing good relationships with partners in the South Pacific | China | Partners
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sogavare is visiting China for six days. This is the second time Sogavare has visited China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in September 2019, and the relationship between China and Solomon Islands is also flourishing, fully demonstrating the strong vitality of China's relationship with newly established diplomatic countries.
What are the benefits of maintaining good diplomatic relations between China and the United States for both sides? For this reason, China News Agency interviewed Yu Changshen, a researcher at the Oceania Research Center of Sun Yat sen University, through a direct train.
The Pearl of the South Pacific
"The Solomon Islands are an island nation in the South Pacific, belonging to the Melanesian Islands and closely connected to Australia and Papua New Guinea. According to relevant United Nations regulations, a radius of 200 nautical miles is an exploitable area. Therefore, the Solomon Islands have a vast marine economic zone and abundant fish resources." Yu Changshen introduced the geographical location and overview of the Solomon Islands.
Yu Changshen said that in addition to the cooperation in marine fishery, Chinese enterprises have undertaken many infrastructure construction in Solomon Islands, such as hospitals, stadiums, transportation facilities, etc. This is the embodiment of the implementation of the "the Belt and Road" initiative in the South Pacific region.
"We can assist in the infrastructure and economic development of the Solomon Islands, which enhances our country's international reputation in the Pacific region and drives the development of related employment projects. It is a mutually beneficial thing for both parties," said Yu Changshen.
Police cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win
China's cooperation in police co construction in the Solomon Islands has a long history, and some foreign media have used this to hype up the "garrison theory" and even the threat theory.
Yu Changshen said that China's police cooperation in the Solomon Islands reflects the image of a responsible major country. The Solomon Islands do not have a military, and police organizations have not been established for a long time. In the past, Australia and New Zealand have sent police to carry out related security tasks. However, since the beginning of the 21st century, Solomon Islands has experienced multiple riots, and the assets of Chinese and overseas Chinese have been severely damaged in the riots. The Solomon Islands are also deeply aware of the importance of establishing a police organization, and therefore invite the Chinese side to cooperate in police co construction.
In Yu Changshen's view, police co construction not only helps the Solomon Islands establish a force to maintain order and social stability, but also helps to safeguard the interests of Chinese builders and overseas Chinese in a stable social environment.
He further stated that using the excuse of police cooperation, some foreign media are exaggerating that "China wants to establish a military base in the Solomon Islands", which is baseless talk. There is no need to pay too much attention to this. China should further develop cooperation in economy, trade, technology, and culture on the basis of existing cooperation projects, reflect China's image as a responsible major country, and achieve mutual benefit and peaceful development.
Opening of the Embassy in China
On July 11th, the Solomon Islands Embassy in China held its opening ceremony in Beijing. Yu Changshen believes that one of the important purposes of Prime Minister Sogavare's visit to China this time is to establish an embassy in China. This indicates that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relationship between China and Sri Lanka has been rising step by step, and the diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka have also become institutionalized and substantive. This is also another major victory for China in foreign relations.
Yu Changshen also mentioned that there are many enterprises in Guangdong and other regions that have undertaken construction projects in the South Pacific region. Prime Minister Sogavare is likely to visit these enterprises in the future. Related enterprises become a link, connecting China and Ireland, and promoting further development of diplomatic relations.
He believes that in the Pacific region, as more and more countries establish diplomatic relations with China, it indicates that China's influence is increasing day by day. After Prime Minister Sogavare's visit, China is bound to be favored by more countries in the South Pacific region. The "the Belt and Road" initiative will stabilize in the South Pacific region, and more and more countries in the region will seek cooperation with China. The relationship between China and Pacific countries will be pushed to a new level, and there will be more mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.
"After the completion of the Solomon Islands Embassy in China, there will be more space in the future to showcase the unique Pacific style culture, and more ways for us to learn about this partner country that is far above the Pacific," said Yu Changshen.
