Pacific Island countries are being misled and coerced in terms of false information spread about security risks, says Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian.
Speaking during the Chinese Army Day reception in Suva last week, he said mankind once again stood at a crossroads.
“In the Pacific region, we face threats like climate change, drug proliferation and transnational crime,” Mr Zhou said.
“China is firmly committed to an independent foreign policy of peace.
“China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth.
“China opposes the use of force or threat of using force in international relations, opposes the Cold War mentality, opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and opposes double standards.”
He said China had applauded Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s vision of an “Ocean of Peace” and had always adhered to the principle of “four full respects” in developing relations with Pacific countries.
“Recently, some forces hyped up the claim that “China is establishing military bases in Pacific island countries, this is a false narrative, a distortion of China’s strategic intentions, and is completely groundless.
“China’s presence in the Pacific is about building roads and bridges to improve people’s livelihoods, not about stationing troops or establishing military bases.”
Mr Zhou said China had never provoked any disputes in the Pacific.
“China never invaded an inch of land of any Pacific island country, and never signed any agreement that would make Pacific island countries sacrifice their sovereignty.
“China firmly upholds the international nuclear non-proliferation system based on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Treaty on the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone.”
He said China firmly supported the Pacific island countries in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and was willing to maintain exchanges and dialogues with Pacific island countries on major international and regional issues, which will make positive contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the region.