China denies geopolitical rivalry in Pacific island ties

During a meeting with the Solomon Islands' counterpart, Rick Houenipwela, in Beijing on Tuesday, Wang reiterated that China "has no geopolitical intentions and does not seek a so-called 'sphere of influence'" in its dealings with Pacific island nations. He emphasized that these nations are independent and sovereign, "not someone's 'backyard,'" and that China's ties with them "should not be subject to interference from any third party."

The meeting occurred a week after China test-fired a missile with a dummy warhead from a nuclear-powered submarine into the South Pacific, a move that drew criticism from regional countries, including the Solomon Islands. This test fire coincided with the signing of a mutual defense pact between Fiji and Australia. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale commented on the missile test, stating that while China is a friend, "this is not something a friend does," while also vowing stronger ties with Australia.

Wang also expressed China's willingness to enhance cooperation with the Solomon Islands in areas such as green energy, healthcare, and climate change.