CHINA has no interest in geopolitical competition, says Chinese ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian.
Mr Zhou said this after he was asked about geopolitics in the Pacific at a news briefing on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent visit to China.
“We do not force you to take sides,” Mr Zhou said.
“We never impose our systems upon you.”
Mr Zhou said China believed the Pacific island states should be a place for cooperation and not a place of power competition.
“We have no interest in geopolitics. We have no interest in seeking so-called spheres of influence,” he said.
“If we really want to compete, let’s compete. Who can help Pacific Island countries better with their infrastructure, with improving their livelihoods.
“We believe as a member of the Global South, we are obliged to help other countries from going south.”
Further, Mr Zhou said the embassy hoped to see other countries invest more in areas such as schools, hospitals, constructing bridges, roads and opportunity centers.
“We are glad to see other countries investing more in this region. We hope to see more and more people invest in this region, to help this region for better development, for the improvement of their economy.
“Let’s join hands to say no to geopolitics.”
