Editing Foreign relations of China (section)

====Policy====
In 2003, China announced it intended to enhance its diplomatic ties with the [[Pacific Islands Forum]], and increase the economic aid package it provided to that organisation. At the same time, Chinese delegate Zhou Whenzhong added: "[T]he PIF should refrain from any exchanges of an official nature or dialogue partnership of any form with Taiwan".<ref>[http://pg.china-embassy.org/eng/zbgx/t46835.htm "China announces initiatives to expand ties with PIF member countries"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819190012/http://pg.china-embassy.org/eng/zbgx/t46835.htm |date=19 August 2017 }}, PRC embassy in Papua New Guinea, 24 November 2003</ref>

In 2006, Chinese Premier [[Wen Jiabao]] announced that China would increase its economic cooperation with Pacific Island States. The PRC would provide more economic aid, abolish tariffs for exports from the Pacific's least developed countries, annul the debt of those countries, distribute free anti-[[malaria]] medicines, and provide training for two thousand Pacific Islander government officials and technical staff.<ref name="chinadaily.com.cn">[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-04/05/content_560910.htm "China offers aid package to Pacific Islands"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006175713/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-04/05/content_560910.htm |date=6 October 2012 }}, ''China Daily'', 5 April 2006</ref>

Also in 2006, Wen became the first Chinese premier to visit the Pacific islands, which the ''Taipei Times'' described as "a longtime diplomatic battleground for China and Taiwan". Similarly, according to [[Ron Crocombe]], Professor of Pacific Studies at the [[University of the South Pacific]], "There have been more Pacific Islands minister visits to China than to any other country".<ref>[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2006/04/03/2003300678 "Chinese Premier Wen to visit the Pacific Islands"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912133356/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2006/04/03/2003300678 |date=12 September 2012 }}, ''Taipei Times'', 3 April 2006</ref>

In 2007, [[Xinhua News Agency|Xinhua]], the Chinese official press agency, stated that Pacific Islands Forum member countries had "spoke[n] highly of the generous assistance China has provided to the region over the past many years and expressed the hope for a further enhanced cooperation with China".<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-10/19/content_6909470.htm "China, Pacific islands countries ties important"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013083733/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-10/19/content_6909470.htm |date=13 October 2012 }}, Xinhua, 19 October 2007</ref>

In December 2007, Dr John Lee—Visiting Fellow at the Sydney-based [[Centre for Independent Studies]]—opined in a column for ''[[Islands Business]]'':
:''"Why is China so interested in the Pacific? After all, despite the differences in size, population, wealth, and influence between China and islands in the region, the Chinese have literally rolled out the red carpet for Pacific leaders. Meetings between Chinese and Pacific leaders are not perfunctory 'meet and greets' in the bland boardrooms of hotels. They are often elaborate state functions with all the bells and whistles that state meetings can offer. [...] In a word, the Chinese want 'influence'. China sends more diplomats around the world than any other country. [...] In terms of the Pacific, there is a more disturbing game being played out, namely the 'chequebook diplomacy', that is taking place between China and Taiwan in their competition for diplomatic recognition at the expense of the other. Taiwan matters profoundly to China—and it is largely why China is interested in the Pacific."''<ref>[http://www.islandsbusiness.com/islands_business/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=17755/overideSkinName=issueArticle-full.tpl "What do the Chinese really want?"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222025019/http://www.islandsbusiness.com/islands_business/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace%3DMiddleMiddle/focusModuleID%3D17755/overideSkinName%3DissueArticle-full.tpl |date=22 February 2013 }}, Dr John Lee, ''Islands Business'', December 2007</ref>

That same month, John Henderson of the [[University of Canterbury]] stated that, in his view, many Pacific Islanders are worried "that their livelihood is being taken away by Chinese traders coming in, often getting in buying political privileges, playing a role in rigging elections". Henderson suggested that the [[2006 Nuku'alofa riots|2006 anti-Chinese riots in Tonga]] and [[Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands#Riots following 2006 general election|Solomon Islands]] could be repeated in countries such as Fiji and Vanuatu. He added that this might lead the PRC to increase its role in the region further, in order to protect ethnic Chinese Pacific Islanders.<ref>[http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/NationalNews/Pacficpoliticsexpertwarnsmoreriotspossible/tabid/184/articleID/41611/cat/64/Default.aspx "Pacific politics expert warns more riots possible"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728045628/https://www.threenow.co.nz/tv/threefans/home.html |date=28 July 2020 }}, [[TV3 New Zealand|TV3]] (New Zealand), 13 December 2007</ref> A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Fiji, Hu Lihua, responded by stating: "China does not pose a military threat to any other country. China opposes all forms of hegemonism and power politics and will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion."<ref>[http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=76796 "China says it is for peace and not power politics"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512194925/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=76796 |date=12 May 2013 }}, ''Fiji Times'', 18 December 2007</ref> A representative of [[Chinese in Fiji|Fiji's Chinese community]] similarly rejected the idea that there might be anti-Chinese riots in Fiji, and added: "The Chinese in Fiji have an excellent relationship with locals and we contribute toward the economy. We have been successful in understanding local customs. Many of us have learnt the language and have assimilated."<ref>[http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=77086 "Chinese say they are at home"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512222538/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=77086 |date=12 May 2013 }}, ''Fiji Times'', 22 December 2007</ref>

The final report of the April 2008 [[Australia 2020 Summit]] addressed China's influence in the Pacific in the following terms:
:''"It was noted that so far China did not seem interested in exporting [[Socialism with Chinese Characteristics|its political values]]. Its interaction with the region was economically focused or motivated by rivalry winth Taiwan.''
:''Noting China's growing military power and its emerging role as a major aid donor in the region, participants agreed that while China's visibility had increased rapidly there remained uncertainty over what it was seeking to achieve, especially in the long term. Securing energy supplies was one obvious goal. One strand of thought that had emerged was that the Chinese themselves were not entirely clear about their aims in the region."''<ref>[http://www.australia2020.gov.au/final_report/index.cfm Australia 2020 final report] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620120848/http://www.australia2020.gov.au/final_report/index.cfm |date=20 June 2012 }}, p.363, Australian government website</ref>

In June 2008, a report from the [[Lowy Institute for International Policy|Lowy Institute]] stated that China's aid policy towards the Pacific was almost certainly aimed solely at encouraging Pacific countries not to grant diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, and that there was no sign of the PRC attempting to increase its military influence or its access to the region's natural resources.<ref>[http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200806/s2270720.htm?tab=pacific "Report questions China aid to Pacific"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905105935/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200806/s2270720.htm?tab=pacific |date=5 September 2008 }}, ABC Radio Australia, 11 June 2008</ref> [[Reuters]] reports that, according to the institute's findings, "China's chequebook diplomacy in the South Pacific and secrecy over its aid programme to small island nations is having a destabilising impact on the region", due to "concerns that dollar diplomacy was influencing local politics."<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSSYD18440 "China's aid diplomacy destabilises Pacific – report"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203113308/http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSSYD18440 |date=3 December 2008 }}, Reuters, 11 June 2008</ref> A spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded: "This assistance is on the basis of mutual benefit. It must help the local economy to develop and promote people's livelihoods. China would never interfere in these countries' internal affairs."<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSPEK335715 "China rejects charge of aid diplomacy in Pacific"], Reuters, 12 June 2008</ref><ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com:80/english/2008-06/12/content_8356107.htm "No political pre-conditions attached in China's aid to Pacific island countries"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019205517/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/12/content_8356107.htm |date=19 October 2012 }}, Xinhua, 12 June 2008</ref>

In June 2009, parliamentary delegations from four Pacific Island countries were jointly received by [[Wu Bangguo]], [[Chairman of the National People's Congress|Chairman]] of the [[Standing Committee of the National People's Congress]]. The delegation comprised Isaac Figir, Speaker of the [[Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia]], Tu'ilakepa, Speaker of the [[Legislative Assembly of Tonga]], [[Manu Korovulavula]], head of the Public Accounting Commission of Fiji, and Billy Talagi, head of the Legislative Committee of [[Niue]] (a [[Associated state|dependent territory of New Zealand]]).<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/17/content_11557797.htm "China vows to enhance parliamentary exchanges with Pacific island nations"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102112037/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/17/content_11557797.htm |date=2 November 2012 }}, Xinhua, 17 June 2009</ref><ref>[http://french.cri.cn/720/2009/06/12/261s193970.htm "Prochaine visite en Chine de délégations parlementaires du Pacifique"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220083741/http://french.cri.cn/720/2009/06/12/261s193970.htm |date=20 February 2012 }}, Radio Chine Internationale, 12 June 2009</ref> The delegation also met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who spoke of increased "economic and trade cooperation"; Xinhua reported that the Pacific Island legislators "expressed appreciation for China's assistance" and "reiterated their countries' adherence to the one-China policy".<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/16/content_11553009.htm "Chinese premier urges more economic cooperation with Pacific island countries"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102112043/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/16/content_11553009.htm |date=2 November 2012 }}, Xinhua, 16 June 2009</ref>

In August and September 2010, the [[People's Liberation Army Navy]] began an unprecedented "goodwill visit" to its Pacific allies, touring Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tonga, New Zealand and Australia. Its aim, as reported by the ''[[People's Daily]]'' during the ships' four-day stop in Tonga, was "enhancing friendship and strengthening military cooperation".<ref>[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/7128492.html "Chinese Navy ships makes first visit to Tonga"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012112622/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/7128492.html |date=12 October 2012 }}, ''People's Daily'', 3 September 2010</ref>

In April 2011, the Lowy Institute issued a new report noting that China, in its approach to the Pacific, had been "shifting from grant aid to soft loans", which were "leading to increasing problems of indebtedness" and "making Pacific governments vulnerable to political pressure from Beijing". The report suggested that countries may struggle to repay the loans within the set timeframe, and that "outstanding loans may well tie Pacific countries to Beijing", in a context of diplomatic competition with Taipei. The report also noted, however, that some loans "are destined for projects that will create economic growth; growth that will create jobs, reduce poverty and help make repayments".<ref name="FEATURE: China in the Pacific">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120317204017/http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201104/3182042.htm "FEATURE: China in the Pacific"]}}, ABC Radio Australia, 4 April 2011</ref>

In May 2011, addressing the University of the South Pacific in [[Suva]], PRC Ambassador to Fiji Han Zhiqiang stated that Sino-Pacific cooperation had resulted in "plenty of substantial outcomes and benefits for the people in this region". He indicated that the volume of trade between the PRC and Pacific Island countries had increased by about 50% between 2009 and 2010, reaching [[euro|€]] 2.46 billion. The value of PRC exports to the region that year was €1.74 billion (up by 42% from 2009), whilst the value of its imports from the Pacific Islands was €730 million, up almost 100%. PRC investments in the Pacific Islands in 2010 -primarily to Samoa, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea and Fiji- had reached almost €72 million.<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-05/05/c_13859143.htm "China-Pacific island countries' ties of cooperation boom in many areas: Chinese ambassador"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107185239/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-05/05/c_13859143.htm |date=7 November 2012 }}, Xinhua, 5 May 2011</ref>

In April 2012 China continued to widen its diplomatic influence with loans and aid with the region.<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303815404577334522576045372 China Seeks to Star in South Pacific; Beijing Widens Diplomatic Reach With Loans, Aid, in Challenge to U.S.; Subtle Reminders in Tonga] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107185404/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303815404577334522576045372 |date=7 November 2018 }} 27 April 2012</ref>

In late May 2022, Chinese Foreign Minister [[Wang Yi (politician)|Wang Yi]] announced that China was pursuing a regional Pacific&ndash;wide agreement known as the [[China-Pacific Island Countries Common Development Vision]] with ten Pacific Islands states. This multilateral agreement would cover various issues including law enforcement cooperation and training, communications infrastructure, cybersecurity, climate change, healthcare, and a proposed China-Pacific Islands Free Trade Area. In response, the [[President of the Federated States of Micronesia]] [[David Panuelo]] opposed the proposed agreement, claiming it would create a new "Cold War" between China and the West. The [[Prime Minister of Australia|Australian Prime Minister]] [[Anthony Albanese]] and [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Australia)|Foreign Minister]] [[Penny Wong]] also vowed to increase Australian investment and developmental assistance to the Pacific Islands.<ref>{{cite news|title=China is pursuing a Pacific-wide pact with 10 island nations on security, policing and data – report|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/25/china-is-pursuing-a-pacific-wide-pact-with-10-island-nations-on-security-policing-and-data-report|access-date=1 June 2022|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=25 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530042117/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/25/china-is-pursuing-a-pacific-wide-pact-with-10-island-nations-on-security-policing-and-data-report|archive-date=30 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Though China and the Pacific Islands states did not reach a consensus on the proposed multilateral agreement, Beijing succeeded in signing several bilateral agreements with Pacific states including separate security and civil aviation agreements with the Solomon Islands, ten bilateral agreements with the Solomon Islands, and an agreement to build a police fingerprint laboratory in Fiji.<ref>{{cite news|title=China, Pacific islands fail to reach consensus on security pact|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/30/china-pacific-islands-fail-to-reach-consensus-on-security-pact|access-date=1 June 2022|publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]|date=30 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531075305/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/5/30/china-pacific-islands-fail-to-reach-consensus-on-security-pact|archive-date=31 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Torress-Bennett|first1=Aileen|last2=Perry|first2=Nick|title=China falls short on big Pacific deal but finds smaller wins|url=https://apnews.com/article/suva-fiji-wang-yi-china-bb340b0386872a711ef6bb6c6468a73f|access-date=1 June 2022|work=[[Associated Press News]]|date=30 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531011509/https://apnews.com/article/suva-fiji-wang-yi-china-bb340b0386872a711ef6bb6c6468a73f|archive-date=31 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

=====Australia=====
{{main|Australia–China relations}}

As an emerging and developing economy, China is a very important trading partner and destination for Australian [[raw material]] export for the growth of Australian economy. The two countries are currently strengthening their economic relations. The 2007 election of [[Kevin Rudd]] as Prime Minister of Australia has been seen as favourable to Sino-Australian relations, notably since he is the first Australian Prime Minister to speak fluent Mandarin, and that closer engagement with Asia is one of the [[Kevin Rudd#Foreign affairs|"Three Pillars" of his foreign policy]].<ref>David S. G. Goodman, "Australia and the China threat: Managing ambiguity." ''Pacific Review'' 30.5 (2017): 769–782 https://doi.org/10.1080/09512748.2017.1339118 .</ref>

In 2004, Rudd, who at the time was Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, had delivered a speech in Beijing entitled "Australia and China: A Strong and Stable Partnership for the 21st Century".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20050126165251/http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/zagx/t142076.htm "Australia and China: A Strong and Stable Partnership for the 21st Century"], Kevin Rudd, 6 July 2004</ref>

In February 2008, Australia reportedly "chastised Taiwan for its renewed push for independence" and "reiterated its support for a one-China policy".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.theage.com.au/national/china-australia-hold-strategic-meeting-20080205-1q43.html|title=China, Australia hold strategic meeting|author=O'Malley, Sandra|date=5 February 2008|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809181937/http://news.theage.com.au/national/china-australia-hold-strategic-meeting-20080205-1q43.html|archive-date=9 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In April, however, Rudd addressed Chinese students at [[Peking University]],<ref name="news.com.au_1111116026176">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/rudd-in-tough-tibet-talks/story-e6frfkp9-1111116026176|title=Rudd in tough Tibet talks|date=10 April 2008|work=[[News.com.au]]|access-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805050622/http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/rudd-in-tough-tibet-talks/story-e6frfkp9-1111116026176|archive-date=5 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> and, speaking in [[Standard Chinese|Mandarin]], referred to "significant human rights problems in Tibet".<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3711490.ece "Australian PM Kevin Rudd warns China over human rights abuses in Tibet"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709014617/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3711490.ece|date=9 July 2008}}, Jane Macartney, ''[[The Times]]'', 9 April 2008</ref><ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-aussie-rules-806956.html "Aussie Rules"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013173712/http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-aussie-rules-806956.html |date=13 October 2008 }}, ''The Independent'', 10 April 2008</ref> Rudd also raised the issue in talks with Chinese [[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Premier]] Wen Jiabao, in a context of "simmering diplomatic tension" according to [[TV3 (New Zealand)|TV3]].<ref>[http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/InternationalNews/KevinRuddraisesconcernsoverTibet/tabid/417/articleID/52122/cat/62/Default.aspx "Kevin Rudd raises concerns over Tibet"]{{dead link|date=January 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, TV3, 10 April 2008</ref> In August 2008, Rudd met Wen once more, and expressed his concerns on "questions of human rights, of religious freedom, of Tibet, of internet freedom".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.theage.com.au/world/rudd-expresses-concerns-to-china-20080808-3sce.html|title=Rudd expresses concerns to China|author=Ede, Charisse|date=8 August 2008|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521022118/http://news.theage.com.au/world/rudd-expresses-concerns-to-china-20080808-3sce.html|archive-date=21 May 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated issues and tensions between the countries, especially after Australia called for an international, independent inquiry into the origins of the disease.<ref name="reut_Aust">{{Cite web|title=Australia and China spat over coronavirus inquiry deepens|last1=Duran|first1=Paulina|last2=Needham|first2=Kirsty|work=[[Reuters]]|date=18 May 2020|access-date=29 December 2020|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronarivus-australia/australia-and-china-spat-over-coronavirus-inquiry-deepens-idUSKBN22V083}}</ref><ref name="reut_Aust2">{{Cite web|title=Australia says world needs to know origins of COVID-19|last=Packham|first=Colin|work=[[Reuters]]|date=25 September 2020|access-date=29 December 2020|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-australia-china/australia-says-world-needs-to-know-origins-of-covid-19-idUSKCN26H00T}}</ref> The subsequent changes that China made to its trade policies have been interpreted as political retaliation and economic [[coercion]] against Australia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-52562549|title=Coronavirus: China's new army of tough-talking diplomats|publisher=BBC News|date=12 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/china-relations-sour-over-tariff-threat-to-australian-barley-20200510-p54rjc.html|title=China relations sour over tariff threat to Australian barley|date=10 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="japa_Miti">{{Cite web|title=Mitigating China's economic coercion|last=Nagy|first=Stephen R.|newspaper=[[The Japan Times]]|date=21 May 2020|access-date=23 December 2020|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2020/05/21/commentary/mitigating-chinas-economic-coercion/|quote=economic coercion}}</ref><ref name="broo_Grea">{{Cite web|title=Great expectations: The unraveling of the Australia-China relationship|last=Kassam|first=Natasha|publisher=[[Brookings Institution]]|date=20 July 2020|access-date=23 December 2020|url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/great-expectations-the-unraveling-of-the-australia-china-relationship/|quote=economic coercion}}</ref>

=====Fiji=====
{{main|China–Fiji relations}}

[[Fiji]] was the first Pacific Island country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, in 1975.<ref name="news.xinhuanet.com">[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-02/09/content_10787984.htm "Chinese vice president meets Fiji leaders on cooperative partnership"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190938/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-02/09/content_10787984.htm |date=3 March 2016 }}, Xinhua, 9 February 2009</ref> Among the [[List of islands in the Pacific Ocean|Pacific Islands]] countries, Fiji was, in 2010, the second largest importer of PRC exports, after Papua New Guinea, and had a trade deficit of [[Australian dollar|A$]]127m in its trade relations with China.<ref name="Pacific trade with China">[http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/business/10150-pacific-trade-with-china "Pacific trade with China"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331150616/http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/business/10150-pacific-trade-with-china |date=31 March 2012 }}, ''Solomon Star'', 17 February 2011</ref>

Fiji's foreign policy under Prime Minister [[Laisenia Qarase]] was to "look north" – i.e., strengthen the country's relations with Asia in general and China in particular. Following the [[2006 Fijian coup d'état|2006 military coup in Fiji]], China contrasted itself from Western countries which largely condemned the overthrow of Qarase's government. Post-coup prime minister [[Frank Bainimarama]] continued Qarase's "look north" policy. In July 2007, Finance Minister [[Mahendra Chaudhry]] responded to the contrast between Western criticism and Chinese support for Bainimarama's government:
:''"Fiji has friends in China, it has friends in [[Fiji–South Korea relations|Korea]], it has friends in [...] other Asian countries. We're no longer relying on [[Australia–Fiji relations|Australia]] and [[Fiji–New Zealand relations|New Zealand]]. And in any event, the [[Fiji–United States relations|United States]] was not doing much for Fiji anyway."''<ref>[http://www.niufm.com/?t=3&View=FullStory&newsID=2162 "Chaudhry breaks silence to slag New Zealand"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512152832/http://www.niufm.com/?t=3&View=FullStory&newsID=2162 |date=12 May 2013 }}, NiuFM, 9 July 2007</ref>

In 2007, a China/Fiji Trade and Economic Commission was set up to enhance economic relations between the two countries.<ref>[http://www.fijilive.com/news/show/news/2007/09/03/03fijilive9.html "China/Fiji meeting, a success"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627214845/http://www.fijilive.com/news/show/news/2007/09/03/03fijilive9.html |date=27 June 2013 }}, FijiLive, 3 September 2007</ref> A May 2008 article in ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' stated that "China's aid to Fiji has skyrocketed since the coup in December 2006", from €650,000 to over €100,000,000. The author of the article commented: "Just as Australia and other Western donors are trying to squeeze [Fiji's] rebel Government, China has dramatically stepped up its aid, effectively dissipating any pressure Western donors might have been generating."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/dont-ignore-the-big-new-player-in-fiji/2008/05/08/1210131163040.html?page=fullpage|title=Don't ignore the big new player in Fiji|author=Hanson, Fergus|date=9 May 2008|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026031511/http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/dont-ignore-the-big-new-player-in-fiji/2008/05/08/1210131163040.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|archive-date=26 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

=====Federated States of Micronesia=====
The [[Federated States of Micronesia]] opened an embassy in Beijing.<ref>[http://www.fsmgov.org/press/pr051007.htm "FSM Government opens embassy in China"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125035819/http://www.fsmgov.org/press/pr051007.htm |date=25 January 2010 }}, [[Federated States of Micronesia|FSM]] government website, 10 May 2007</ref>

=====New Zealand=====
{{main|China–New Zealand relations}}

Diplomatic relations with [[New Zealand]] were first established in 1972. the PRC diplomatic representative to New Zealand, Zhang Limin, is also accredited to New Zealand's [[associated state|associated territories]], the [[Cook Islands]] and, since 2008, [[Niue]]. The People's Republic of China in December 2007 became the first country to establish official diplomatic relations with Niue,<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/18/content_10215471.htm "China's first ambassador to Niue presents credential to Niue PM"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116105311/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/18/content_10215471.htm |date=16 November 2013 }}, Xinhua, 18 October 2008</ref> and provides economic aid to the Cook Islands.<ref name="RNZI_41933">{{cite news|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=41933|title=Cook Islands to receive more aid from China|date=10 September 2008|work=[[Radio New Zealand International]]|access-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307215524/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=41933|archive-date=7 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2007, New Zealand reaffirmed its adherence to the "One China" policy.<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/25/content_6791476.htm "China, New Zealand vow to advance bilateral ties"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013130352/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-09/25/content_6791476.htm |date=13 October 2012 }}, 25 September 2007</ref>

In April 2008, New Zealand became the first [[developed country]] to sign a [[free trade]] agreement with the PRC.<ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/07/business/7tradefw.php "China and New Zealand sign free trade deal"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212164653/http://iht.com/articles/2008/04/07/business/7tradefw.php |date=12 February 2009 }}, ''International Herald Tribune'', 7 April 2008</ref>

On 29 September 2008, New Zealand's delegate in United Nations openly praised the improving relations between the two governments of Beijing and Taipei.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/ga/63/generaldebate/newzealand.shtml|title=UN General Assembly – 63rd Session General Debate – New Zealand|access-date=19 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016022618/http://www.un.org/en/ga/63/generaldebate/newzealand.shtml|archive-date=16 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2009, Niuean [[premier of Niue|Premier]] [[Toke Talagi]] stated that, if development aid were not forthcoming from New Zealand, he would request aid from China instead.<ref name="NZ_Herald_10583605">{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10583605|title=PM faces blunt threat from Niue|author=Trevett, Claire|date=10 July 2009|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|access-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020231557/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10583605|archive-date=20 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

=====Papua New Guinea=====
Diplomatic relations with [[Papua New Guinea]] were established in 1976, soon after Papua New Guinea became independent.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Huang|first1=Xiaoming|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jm6krAh2LS0C&dq=china+make+Diplomatic+relations+with+Papua+New+Guinea+in+1976%2C&pg=PA126|title=China and the International System: Becoming a World Power|last2=Patman|first2=Robert G.|date=20 March 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-75639-9}}</ref>

Papua New Guinea is one of China's biggest trade partners in Oceania. Papua New Guinea exports far more to China than does any other [[Pacific Islands]] country, and imports three times more from China than does any other such country. It is also one of the few countries in the region to maintain a trade surplus in its relations with China; its surplus reached a record high of [[Australian dollar|A$]]427m in 2010.<ref name="Pacific trade with China" />

In 1999, the government of Prime Minister [[Bill Skate]] recognised Taiwan. Skate lost power less than a week later, and Papua New Guinea's diplomatic recognition reverted to China.<ref>[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2008/05/14/2003411855 "Spending money where it matters"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919125656/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2008/05/14/2003411855 |date=19 September 2012 }}, Bruce Jacobs, ''Taipei Times'', 14 May 2008</ref>

In 2003, Chinese embassy in [[Port Moresby]] published a statement of concern in reaction to comments in the Papua New Guinea press questioning the justification for PNG's relations with the People's Republic. The embassy statement insisted that relations between the two countries were mutually beneficial, reasserted Chinese claims to Taiwan, and concluded: "It is our sincere hope that the local [PNG] media will report on China and its relations with PNG in a just and objective way, so as to further enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of our two countries."<ref>[http://pg.china-embassy.org/eng/zbgx/t46834.htm "Press Release of the Embassy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210143746/http://pg.china-embassy.org/eng/zbgx/t46834.htm |date=10 February 2012 }}, PRC embassy in Papua New Guinea, 7 August 2003</ref>

In July 2003, PNG Governor General Sir [[Silas Atopare]] visited China, re-affirmed his country's adherence to the One China policy, and, according to a statement published by Chinese embassy, "thank[ed] the government and the people of China for their commitment in providing aid to PNG's development".<ref>[http://pg.china-embassy.org/eng/zbgx/t46833.htm "PNG Governor General Visits China"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210143753/http://pg.china-embassy.org/eng/zbgx/t46833.htm |date=10 February 2012 }}, PRC embassy in Papua New Guinea, 28 July 2003</ref>

In 2005, relations cooled somewhat when Papua New Guinea, along with Fiji, supported Taiwan's wish to join the [[World Health Organization]].<ref name="archives.pireport.org">[http://archives.pireport.org/archive/2006/August/tcp-fiji.htm "Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events 2005"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216145246/http://archives.pireport.org/archive/2006/August/tcp-fiji.htm|date=16 February 2012}}, Alumita L Durutalo, ''[[The Contemporary Pacific]]'', vol. 18, n°2, autumn 2006, pp.396–399</ref>

It was announced that members of the [[Papua New Guinea Defence Force]] would receive training provided by China. Traditionally, military training aid in Papua New Guinea had been provided by [[Western world|Western countries]], namely, [[Australia–Papua New Guinea relations|Australia]], New Zealand and the U.S.<ref name="RNZI_39839">{{cite news|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=39839|title=Concern in PNG at defence training links with China|date=19 May 2008|work=[[Radio New Zealand International]]|access-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223170519/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=39839|archive-date=23 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

=====Samoa=====
The diplomatic relations between China and [[Samoa]] were established in 1975.<ref name="english.cri.cn">[http://english.cri.cn/6909/2011/04/10/2021s631192.htm "Chinese Ambassador Describes China-Samoa Ties as Friendly Partnership"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020104633/http://english.cri.cn/6909/2011/04/10/2021s631192.htm |date=20 October 2012 }}, Xinhua, 4 April 2011</ref>

In the late 1980s, China began sending doctors to the Samoan National Hospital, and sent over a hundred over the following two decades.<ref name="english.cri.cn" /> Samoa significantly increased its volume of imports from China in the late 2000s, while also increasing its exports to that country. In 2010, Samoa reached a record trade deficit in its relations with China, at [[Australian dollar|A$]]70m.<ref name="Pacific trade with China" /> In 2007, China provided Samoa with an x-ray machine and several volunteer doctors.<ref name="RNZI_35612">{{cite news|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=35612|title=Samoa national hospital to get Chinese funded x-ray machine|date=8 October 2007|work=[[Radio New Zealand International]]|access-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213172837/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=35612|archive-date=13 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, China donated over €1,360,000 to Samoa to fund its education policies.<ref name="RNZI_37542">{{cite news|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=37542|title=China to give Samoa more money for education|date=20 January 2008|work=[[Radio New Zealand International]]|access-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213172846/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=37542|archive-date=13 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2008, following unrest in Tibet, the speaker of the Samoan [[Fono]] (legislative assembly), Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua, stated that foreign leaders should not interfere with China as it deals with "internal affairs", and that they should not meet the [[Dalai Lama]].<ref>[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-03/27/content_6568524.htm "World leaders voice support for China's handling of riots"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009054653/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-03/27/content_6568524.htm |date=9 October 2012 }}, Xinhua, 27 March 2008</ref><ref>[http://www.samoaobserver.ws/ "Samoa backs China's handling of Tibet"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117152536/http://www.samoaobserver.ws/ |date=17 January 2013 }}, ''Samoa Observer'', 27 March 2008</ref>

In June 2008, Samoa announced it would be opening diplomatic missions in China and Japan – the country's first diplomatic offices in Asia.<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/23/content_8423639.htm "Samoa to establish diplomatic offices in China, Japan"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051535/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/23/content_8423639.htm |date=4 March 2016 }}, Xinhua, 23 June 2006</ref> In September, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement indicating that China and Samoa have always "conducted fruitful cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, agriculture, sports, culture, education and health, as well as international affairs", and that China intended to "make more tangible efforts to support Samoa's economic and social development".<ref>[http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/zxxx/t513637.htm "President Hu Jintao Meets with Samoan Prime Minister"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214194642/http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/zxxx/t513637.htm |date=14 February 2012 }}, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 17 September 2008</ref>

In 2010, the Chinese government-funded China-Samoa Agricultural Demonstration Farm was established in Nu'u with an aim "to train the Samoan farmers on voluntary basis through Chinese agricultural planting techniques". About 500 Samoan farmers received training from Chinese agricultural experts.<ref name="english.cri.cn" />

In 2011, 57 Samoan students were studying in China on a Chinese government sponsorship.<ref name="english.cri.cn" />

=====Tonga=====
{{main|China–Tonga relations}}

Relations with [[Tonga]] were first established in 1998. In 2000, noble [[Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō|Tuʻivakano]] of Nukunuku (later to become [[Prime Minister of Tonga|Prime Minister]]) banned all Chinese stores from his Nukunuku District. This followed alleged complaints from other shopkeepers regarding competition from local Chinese.<ref>[http://www.tongatapu.net.to/tonga/news/briefs/20000819.htm "No More Chinese!"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630094452/http://www.tongatapu.net.to/tonga/news/briefs/20000819.htm |date=30 June 2012 }}, Tongatapu.net</ref> In 2001, Tonga and China decided to strengthen their "military relations".<ref>[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/english/200105/15/eng20010515_70060.html "China, Tonga Vow to Further Military Ties"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609041409/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/english/200105/15/eng20010515_70060.html |date=9 June 2013 }}, ''People's Daily'', 15 May 2001</ref> In 2008, China provided Tonga with military supplies worth over €340,000.<ref>"Chinese Government Donates Military Supplies to TDS", Tonga Now, 9 January 2008</ref>

In 2006, rioters caused severe damage to shops owned by Chinese-Tongans in [[Nukuʻalofa|Nuku{{Okina}}alofa]].<ref name="radioaustralia.net.au">[http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/infocus/s1842245.htm "The Pacific Proxy: China vs Taiwan"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104024039/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/infocus/s1842245.htm |date=4 November 2007 }}, Graeme Dobell, ABC Radio Australia, 7 February 2007</ref><ref>[http://english.people.com.cn/200611/17/eng20061117_322437.html "Chinese stores looted in Tonga riots"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512170138/http://english.people.com.cn/200611/17/eng20061117_322437.html |date=12 May 2013 }}, ''People's Daily'', 17 November 2006</ref>

In April 2008, Tongan King [[George Tupou V]] visited China, reaffirmed his country's adherence to the "One China" policy, and, according to the Chinese State news agency [[Xinhua]], "supported the measures adopted to handle [[2008 Tibetan unrest|the incident]] in [[Lhasa (prefecture-level city)|Lhasa]]".<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/10/content_7954657.htm "Tonga supports China's stance on Taiwan, Tibet"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014071057/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/10/content_7954657.htm |date=14 October 2012 }}, Xinhua, 10 April 2008</ref> King Tupou V also met Chinese Defense Minister [[Liang Guanglie]] to "enhance exchange and cooperation between the two militaries". Xinhua stated that China and Tonga have "fruitful cooperation in politics, economy, trade, agriculture and education, and kept a sound coordination in regional and international affairs".<ref>[http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/15/content_7981846.htm "Chinese Defense Minister meets Tongan King"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016060355/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/15/content_7981846.htm |date=16 October 2012 }}, Xinhua, 15 April 2008</ref>

In early 2010, Chinese aid to Tonga included assistance in the reconstruction of Nuku'alofa's central business district; "an agricultural project in [[Vaini]]"; health clinics set up in [[Vavaʻu]] and Vaini; the provision of seven Chinese doctors for a two-year period; and an allocation of €2.2&nbsp;million "for social and economic development", including "soft loans and interest free loans to the Tonga Government".<ref name="RNZI_52337">{{cite news|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=52337|title=China to send doctors to Tonga|date=8 March 2010|work=[[Radio New Zealand International]]|access-date=11 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609192423/http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=52337|archive-date=9 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2011, the [[Lowy Institute for International Policy|Lowy Institute]] reported that, of all Pacific countries, Tonga was carrying the highest burden of debt from Chinese loans, amounting to 32% of Tonga's [[Gross domestic product|GDP]]. Simultaneously, the [[International Monetary Fund]] warned Tonga was "facing debt distress", a "very high possibility that Tonga [would] be unable to service its debts in the future".<ref name="FEATURE: China in the Pacific" />

=====Vanuatu=====
{{main|China–Vanuatu relations}}

In 2006, Vanuatu signed an economic cooperation agreement with China, whereby the latter was to assist Vanuatu's economic development, and remove tariffs on imports from Vanuatu. China also added Vanuatu to its list of approved tourism destinations for Chinese tourists. Ni-Vanuatu trade minister James Bule said his country had also requested China's assistance "in supplying machines so we can establish a plant in Vanuatu to produce bio fuel".<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120210143746/http://vanuatudaily.com/news/currentweek.php?misc=search&subaction=showfull&id=1144793205&archive=&cnshow=news&ucat=1&start_from=& "Vanuatu looks to China for markets"]}}, ''Vanuatu Daily'', 11 April 2006</ref> By contrast, Opposition leader Serge Vohor has said China is exerting too much influence on the ni-Vanuatu government's policy.<ref name="vanuatudaily.com">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120210143743/http://vanuatudaily.com/news/currentweek.php?misc=search&subaction=showfull&id=1142202701&archive=&cnshow=news&ucat=1&start_from=& "Chinese influence corrupting government: opposition leader"]}}, ''Vanuatu Daily'', 12 March 2006</ref>

In May 2009, Vanuatu appointed its first ever ambassador to China, former Minister of Finance [[Willie Jimmy]].<ref>[http://www.dailypost.vu/index.php?news=4668 "Minister confirms appointment"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623114911/http://www.dailypost.vu/index.php?news=4668 |date=23 June 2013 }}, ''[[Vanuatu Daily Post]]'', 22 May 2009</ref> Jimmy "call[ed] [...] for China to have a foot firmly planted in the Pacific through [[Port Vila]]", which -the ''[[Vanuatu Daily Post]]'' remarked- "no doubt caused ruffled feathers among other foreign diplomatic partners".<ref>[http://www.dailypost.vu/index.php?news=4834 "Chinese Club donate Vt1.4m supplies to landslide victims"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623135002/http://www.dailypost.vu/index.php?news=4834 |date=23 June 2013 }}, ''Vanuatu Daily Post'', 23 June 2009</ref>

In July 2010, Chinese Ambassador Cheng Shuping announced that China would fund a number of projects in Vanuatu, "including the National Convention Centre and the expansion of Prime Minister's Offices", as well as "the design and reconstruction of the Francophone Wing of the [[University of the South Pacific]] Emalus Campus".<ref>[http://www.dailypost.vu/ArticleArchives/tabid/56/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6722/categoryId/3/China-commits-to-fund-Vanuatu-projects.aspx "China commits to fund Vanuatu projects"]{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, ''Vanuatu Daily Post'', 23 July 2010</ref>