Relationship and cooperation with China highly valued, Soloman Islands FM says

China has no geopolitical intention in developing its relations with Pacific island countries and does not seek any so-called sphere of influence, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday, noting that its relations with Pacific island countries should not be disrupted by any third party.

When meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands Rick Houenipwela in Beijing, Wang stressed that developing relations with Pacific island countries is aimed at promoting South-South cooperation and common development.

Wang said that Pacific island countries are sovereign and independent states, not anyone's "backyard", and have the right to independently choose their development partners.

China's cooperation with the Solomon Islands comes with no political strings attached, is not forcibly imposed, and makes no empty promises, the foreign minister stressed.

China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with the Solomon Islands, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand practical cooperation in areas such as green energy, and deepen people-to-people exchanges in education, healthcare, and youth, Wang said.

China and the Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations in 2019, after the Pacific island country severed "diplomatic ties" with the Taiwan region.

China appreciates the new Solomon Islands government's reaffirmation of its firm commitment to the one-China principle, Wang said, adding that it will consolidate the political foundation of bilateral ties and create necessary conditions for deepening bilateral cooperation.

Houenipwela said the Solomon Islands relationship with China is very important and expressed gratitude for China's long-standing support for the country's economic and social development.

Noting that China is the Solomon Islands' largest trading partner and that the two countries have signed dozens of cooperation memorandums of understanding, he said the Solomon Islands looks forward to expanding trade and investment with China and deepening bilateral practical cooperation.

The Solomon Islands is also willing to play an active role in promoting cooperation between China and Pacific island countries, he added.