FM denounces zero-sum mentalities in Pacific Island visit

Visiting State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday refuted smears against cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries, saying they are disinformation.

Wang made the remarks when he held talks with Fekitamoeloa Utoikamanu, foreign minister of Tonga, denying China would enhance military presence in island nations.

China is not meant to compete with others and it has no interest in geopolitical competition, nor does it build so-called "spheres of influence", Wang said. A zero-sum game would only lead to multiple losses, which is not China's diplomatic style, he added.

Wang reiterated China advocates cooperation and has always treated all countries with equality, adding Beijing is willing to develop friendly relations with all countries.

What China supports is democracy in international relations, multilateralism and the core status of the United Nations, Wang said, while expressing opposition to unilateral bullying, colonial mentality and condescendingly dealing with small-and-medium sized countries.

As China and South Pacific countries are developing countries with numerous areas of agreement, Wang said the two sides are good friends with mutual understanding and trust.

Wang said China has helped and is helping island countries to grow their economy, improve livelihoods and maintain stability. China hopes to work with other countries willing to assist island countries to accelerate their development.

For her part, Utoikamanu said China is a long-term partner for Tonga and expressed the country's commitment to the one-China principle.

She vowed Tonga would promote strategic partnership with China with mutual respect, trust and support.

Tonga would actively participate in the building of the Belt and Road Initiative and advance people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in various fields with China, she said.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries, agreeing to implementing results of the just-concluded second foreign ministers' meeting between the two sides.