Relations by region and country Foreign relations of China

1 relations region , country

1.1 africa

1.1.1 diplomacy
1.1.2 economic relations
1.1.3 military relations
1.1.4 culture
1.1.5 criticism


1.2 central asia
1.3 arab world

1.3.1 medieval era
1.3.2 trade
1.3.3 20th century
1.3.4 sino-arab cooperation forum
1.3.5 comparison
1.3.6 joint communiqué


1.4 south asia

1.4.1 pakistan
1.4.2 india
1.4.3 sri lanka
1.4.4 people s republic of bangladesh


1.5 north korea
1.6 south korea
1.7 japan
1.8 southeast asia
1.9 europe
1.10 western hemisphere

1.10.1 caribbean

1.10.1.1 barbados


1.10.2 cuba


1.11 oceania

1.11.1 policy
1.11.2 bilateral relations

1.11.2.1 australia
1.11.2.2 fiji
1.11.2.3 federated states of micronesia
1.11.2.4 new zealand
1.11.2.5 papua new guinea
1.11.2.6 samoa
1.11.2.7 tonga
1.11.2.8 vanuatu

relations region , country
africa

with china s growing influence around world, beijing has set efforts on africa. china s focus in africa not recent occurrence. in 1960s , 1970s, beijing s interest centered on building ideological solidarity. following cold war, chinese interests evolved more pragmatic pursuits such trade, investment, , energy. sino-african trade quadrupled between 2000 , 2006. china africa s third largest commercial partner after , france, , second largest exporter africa after france. notably ahead of former colonial power britain in both categories. western nations hesitance become closely involved countries believe poor in human rights field, such sudan, have allowed china opportunity economic cooperation.

the establishment of modern sino-african relations dates late 1950s when china signed first official bilateral trade agreement algeria, egypt, guinea, somalia, morocco , sudan. zhou enlai made ten-country tour africa between december 1963 , january 1964. relations @ time reflective of chinese foreign policy in general: china began cultivate ties , offer[...] economic, technical , military support african countries , liberation movements in effort encourage wars of national liberation , revolution part of international united front against both superpower .

diplomacy

members of focac

early modern bilateral relations affected cold war , ideology of communism. china had close ties anti-apartheid , liberation movement, african national congress (anc), in south africa, china s relations soviet union worsened , anc moved closer soviet union, china shifted away anc towards pan-africanist congress. china adopted several principles, among them supporting independence of african countries while investing in infrastructure projects. somali democratic republic established relations soviet union throughout cold war era. when somalia sought create greater somalia, declared war on ethiopia, aid of soviet union, somalia took ogaden in 3 months, soviet union shifted support somalia ethiopia, , ethiopia retook ogaden region. angered siad barre, , expelled soviets advisors , citizens somalia, somalia maintained relations china, segrated traditional russian communism. during cold war, few smaller nations entered in alliances china, such burundi under michel micombero.

the political status of taiwan has been key political issue people s republic of china (prc). in 1971, support of african nations crucial in prc joining united nations (un), taking on seat of roc on taiwan. however, while many african countries such algeria, egypt , zambia have stressed support prc s one-china policy, swaziland , burkina faso maintaining relations taipei. quest of permanent un security council seat africa, nigeria, populous african country, relies on chinese support while egypt looks u.s. backing.

since 1997, around 40 african heads of state have visited china. ministerial meeting, forum on china–africa cooperation (focac), held in beijing in october 2000 first collective dialogue between china , african nations.

economic relations

in 1980, total sino-african trade volume us$1 billion. 1999, had reached us$6.5 billion. 2005, total sino-african trade had reached us$39.7 billion before jumped us$55 billion in 2006, making china second largest trading partner of africa after united states, had trade worth us$91 billion african nations. china passed traditional african economic partner , former colonial power france, had trade worth us$47 billion. in 2010, trade between africa , china worth us$114 billion , in 2011, us$166.3 billion. in first 10 months of 2012 us$163.9 billion.

there estimated 800 chinese corporations doing business in africa, of private companies investing in infrastructure, energy , banking sectors. unconditional , low-rate credit lines (rates @ 1.5% on 15 years 20 years) have taken place of more restricted , conditional western loans. since 2000, more us$10 thousand million in debt owed african nations china has been canceled. though africa has gained commodity exports china, chinese exports africa chinese business practices isn t helping much, says mohamed gueye. problem, problem?

military relations

military cooperation goes cold war period when china keen african liberation movements. apart traditional allies such somalia , uganda, china had military ties non-aligned countries such egypt. military equipment worth $142 million sold african countries between 1955 , 1977. 2 decades after collapse of soviet union, military relations based on business interests rather ideology.

there no chinese military presence in africa other used in peacekeeping. in 2004, china deployed around 1,500 soldiers under un umbrella, dispatched between liberia , democratic republic of congo. china present via military attachés; of 2007, has 14 attachés in 14 different african countries while there 18 african countries maintain attachés in beijing. apart peacemaking, china provides military training , equipment few countries, though not require military forces deployed.

culture

foreign students @ huazhong agricultural university, wuhan

africa host of 3 chinese cultural centres. first overseas chinese centre opened in mauritius in 1988. 2 other followed in egypt , benin. confucius institute, focuses on promotion of chinese language , culture, has 20 centers distributed around 13 african countries.

historically, little known african immigration china, although there no doubt , consensus human species africa. due recent developments in relations, many have been relocating better opportunities. places dubbed little africa , chocolate city increasingly receiving new immigrants, nigerians. of african immigrants concentrated in area of guangzhou estimated number of 20,000. estimated there around 10,000 illegal african immigrants in china , police crackdowns have intensified since 2009.

in contrast, modern chinese immigration african continent better documented. in 1724, few chinese convicts brought labourers south africa dutch east indies (modern-day indonesia) dutch empire. in 19th century, wave of immigrants came south africa workers brought british work in agriculture, infrastructure building , mining. in recent years, there has been increasing presence of chinese in africa. estimates vary source though xinhua, china s official news agency, states there no less 750,000 chinese nationals working or living in africa. number of chinese illegal immigrants remains unknown.

due low prices of chinese-made weaponry , military equipment, increasing number of african countries shifted source of supply traditional providers such russia china. however, selling of arms states accused western countries of war crimes, such sudan, have prompted criticism in west (see criticism section below).

criticism

the zimbabwean example relevant. relations between china , robert mugabe s regime in zimbabwe have been focus of criticism few western countries. china accused of supplying zimbabwe jet fighters, vehicles , other military equipment. china declared in 2007 dropping kinds of assistance , limiting assistance humanitarian aid. in july 2008, chinese diplomacy asked mugabe behave though critics see way china protect own interests in country should regime change.

chinese role in africa has sparked criticism, western countries accuse of neocolonialism . response such criticism, china issued 9 principles encourage , standardise enterprises overseas investment, charter , guide of conduct chinese companies operating abroad. other criticism include flooding of african markets low-cost chinese-made products, harming growth , survival of local industries , businesses.

central asia

as chinese economy booms, major priority securing natural resources keep pace demand, , investment china s central asian neighbors doing leaps , bounds meet demand. chinese oil companies have invested kazakh oil fields, china , kazakhstan have constructed oil pipeline kazakhstan china , planning construct natural gas pipeline. in tajikistan , kyrgyzstan, china has invested in hydroelectric projects. in addition bolstering trade ties, beijing has contributed aid , funding region s countries. shanghai cooperation organisation, of china founding member, becoming increasingly important in central asian security , politics. many observers believe beyond fostering good-neighborly relations, china concerned securing borders emerges world power.

xi jinping has called china s efforts build trade links extend through central asia middle east new silk road.

arab world


china s critical sea lines of communication. in 2004, on 80 percent of chinese crude oil imports transited strait of malacca, less 2 percent transiting lombok strait.

sino-arab relations have extended historically first caliphate, important trade routes, , diplomatic relations. following age of imperialism, sino-arab relations halted several centuries, until both gained independence in 19th , 20th century. today, modern sino-arab relations evolving new era, sacf (sino-arab cooperation forum) helping china , arab nations establish new partnership in era of growing globalization.

medieval era

during tang dynasty, when relations arabs first established, chinese called arabs 大食(dàshí or dashi). in modern chinese, dashi means great food. modern term arab 阿拉伯 (Ālābó or alabo).

the arab islamic caliph uthman ibn affan (r. 644-656) sent embassy tang court @ chang an.

although tang dynasty , abbasid caliphate had fought @ talas, on 11 june 758, abbasid embassy arrived @ chang simultaneously uyghur turks in order pay tribute.

the caliphate called da shi guo (ta shi kuo) 大食國.

an arab envoy presented horses , girdle chinese in 713, refused pay homage emperor, said, said in country bow god never prince . first thing court going murder envoy, however, minister intervened, saying difference in court etiquette of foreign countries ought not considered crime. second arab envoy performed required rituals , paid homage emperor in 726 a.d. gifted purple robe , girdle .

there controversy between arab ambassadors , uyghur khaganate ambassadors on should go first chinese court, guided master of ceremonies 2 different entrances. 3 da shi ambassadors arrived @ tang court in 198 a.d. war raging between arabs , tibetans 785-804 benefited chinese.

according professor samy s. swayd fatimid missionaries made dawah in china during reign of al-aziz billah.

trade

in islamic times muslims arabia traded china. instance, china imported frankincense southern arabia via srivijaya.

20th century

china under kuomintang had established relations egypt , saudi arabia in 1930s. chinese government sponsored students wang jingzhai , muhammad ma jian go al-azhar university study. pilgrims made hajj mecca china. chinese muslims sent saudi arabia , egypt denounce japanese during second sino-japanese war. fuad muslim library in china named after king fuad of egypt chinese muslim ma songting. in 1939 isa yusuf alptekin , ma fuliang sent kuomintang middle eastern countries such egypt, turkey, , syria gain support chinese war against japan.

gamal abdel nasser cut off diplomatic relations republic of china on taiwan , established new tie people s republic of china in 1956. 1990s arab states had finished recognize people s republic of china legitimate state of china.

the relations between china , arab league organization, officially started in 1956, yet in 1993, when arab league opened first office in china, when former secretary general essmat abdel megeed went official visit beijing, in 1996, chinese president jiang zemin visited arab league headquarters during visit in cairo, become first chinese leader have official visit arab league.[1]

sino-arab cooperation forum

in opening ceremony of forum in 2004, chinese foreign minister li zhaoxing said arab world important force in international arena, , china , arab countries enjoy time-honored friendship.

similar histories, common objectives , wide-ranging shared interests have enabled 2 sides strengthen cooperation, said. no matter how international situation changes, china has been sincere friend of arab world.

the sino-arab cooperation forum formally established during president hu jintao s visit league s headquarters in january 2004. hu noted @ time formation of forum continuation of traditional friendship between china , arab world , important move promote bilateral ties under new circumstances.

li stated establishment of forum conducive expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in variety of areas.

prc has submitted 4 proposals. first, maintaining mutual respect, equitable treatment , sincere cooperation on political front. second, promoting economic , trade ties through cooperation in investment, trade, contracted projects, labor service, energy, transportation, telecommunications, agriculture, environmental protection , information. third, expanding cultural exchanges. finally, conducting personnel training, said. arab foreign ministers attending meeting agreed formal inauguration of forum significant event in history of arab ties china. submitted variety of proposals on promoting sino-arab friendship , cooperation. @ conclusion of meeting, li , arab league secretary general amr moussa signed declaration , action plan forum. li arrived in cairo on sunday evening three-day visit egypt, last leg of middle east tour has taken him saudi arabia, yemen , oman.

the 2nd sacf held in beijing in 2006, discussed chinese proposal of middle east nuclear-free, , peace process between palestinians , israelis. while 3rd safc set held in bahrain 2008

comparison

the joint communiqué

one of major joint projects involves environment, al , proc signed executive program of joint communiqué between environmental cooperation 2008–2009

the league of arab states , government of people’s republic of china signed joint communiqué on environmental cooperation (referred joint communiqué) on 1 june 2006. joint communiqué important instrument aims deepen regional environmental partnership between 2 parties. since signing of joint communiqué, chinese ministry of commerce , chinese ministry of environmental protection have coorganized 2 environmental protection training courses in june 2006 , june 2007 respectively, in china.

in order implement article 4 of joint communiqué, both parties shall develop executive program 2008 , 2009. aims enhance cooperation between league of arab states , china in field of environmental protection, in line common aspiration of 2 parties , long term interests, , promote friendship between 2 parties.

the 2 parties try involve relevant government departments , sectors, , actively promote , seek cooperation on projects , activities in following areas:

01*environmental policies , legislation 02*biodiversity conservation 03*prevention , control of water pollution, waste management , control of other kinds of pollution 04*cooperation on combating desertification , managing water resources in arid areas 05*coordinating stand on global environmental issues 06*environmental industry 07*enhancing environmental education , raising public awareness in environment 08*other projects 2 may develop , implement other projects of common interest after negotiating relevant government departments , sectors. 09*financial arrangements 10*final provisions

this treaty signed arab ambassador ahmed benhelli under secretary general moussa s approval, , xu qinghua director general department international cooperation, ministry of environmental protection.

south asia

china s current trade volume south asian nations reaches close us$20 billion year.

beijing runs trade surpluses many partners, including pakistan, bangladesh, nepal , sri lanka. fast on heels of u.s. offer of nuclear power plants india, chinese authorities have helped pakistan establish nuclear power plants of own meet nuclear needs, officially consist of energy requirements, although, per perspectives, used pakistani , chinese military, quite possibly defence, purposes. china lends , invests in south asian nations low-cost financial capital, development sector, current economically struggling countries of bangladesh, sri lanka, , nepal

pakistan

pakistan , china have strong relations have been compared israel – united states relations. more recently, china has signed several free trade agreements pakistan several bilateral trade agreements such harvest agreement , establishment of duty-free export zone (sost dry port) in pakistan s northern areas. pakistan , china, per common knowledge , perspective, arguably strong allies , trade , contacts have steadily increased on years. china continues invest heavily pakistan, , providing assistance in development of country s 3rd major port @ gwadar, timber transhipments mozambique, improving infrastructure , development of pipeline said port towards china s western regions. trade , goodwill between pakistan , china relatively strong due bordered muslims area of xinjiang, used pakistan transit mecca/makkah pilgrimage. has been unstable after chinese crackdown on xinjiang residents during ramadan. pakistani students go china study while chinese workers come pakistan work on infrastructure projects. pakistan ceded portion of kashmir. share karakoram highway, 1 of highest paved roads in world. pakistani , chinese authorities collaborated on nuclear , space technology provided china pakistan, cruise missile , naval technology, pakistan helped china hold of western technology otherwise not acquire. common quotation referred pak china friendship is, friendship higher heights of himalayas , deeper depths of arabian sea .

india


a chinese container ship unloads cargo @ jawaharlal nehru port in india. bilateral trade between 2 countries surpassed us$60 thousand million 2010 making china single largest trading partner of india.

despite lingering suspicions remaining 1962 sino-indian war , continuing boundary disputes on aksai chin , arunachal pradesh, sino-indian relations have improved gradually since 1988. both countries have sought reduce tensions along frontier, expand trade , cultural ties, , normalise relations.

a series of high-level visits between 2 nations have helped improve relations. in december 1996, chinese president jiang zemin visited india during tour of south asia. while in new delhi, signed indian prime minister series of confidence-building measures disputed borders. sino-indian relations suffered brief setback in may 1998 when indian defence minister justified country s nuclear tests citing potential threats china. however, in june 1999, during kargil crisis, then-external affairs minister jaswant singh visited beijing , stated india did not consider china threat. 2001, relations between india , china on mend, , 2 sides handled move tibet india of 17th karmapa in january 2000 delicacy , tact.

since 2004, economic rise of both china , india has helped forge closer relations between two. sino-indian trade reached us$36 billion in 2007, making china single largest trading partner of india. increasing economic reliance between india , china has brought 2 nations closer politically, both india , china eager resolve boundary dispute. have collaborated on several issues ranging wto s doha round in 2008 regional free trade agreement. similar indo-us nuclear deal, india , china have agreed cooperate in field of civilian nuclear energy. however, china s economic interests have clashed of india. both countries largest asian investors in africa , have competed control on large natural resources. india , china agreed take bilateral trade us$100 billion on recent visit wen jiabao india.

sri lanka

people s republic of bangladesh

early relations people s republic of china cold due china s veto @ united nations security council block bangladesh s accession united nations. lately china has made efforts improve relations many of neighbors. trade china reached record level in 2006 of $3.2 billion under auspices of asia-pacific trade agreement (afta). trade balance between 2 countries in china s favour. china has officially agreed helping bangladesh on developing nuclear power plant. bangladesh has signed apsco convention 6 other nations form pact china on space exploration.

north korea


the close china-dprk relationship celebrated @ mass games in pyongyang, 2010


south korea

japan

having fought 2 wars against japan (1894–95 , 1936–45), china s long-standing concern level of japan s military strength surfaces periodically, , criticism of japan s refusal present full version of atrocities of world war ii in textbooks perennial issue. relationship between china , japan has been strained @ times japan s refusal acknowledge wartime past satisfaction of china. revisionist comments made prominent japanese officials , japanese history textbooks regarding 1937 nanking massacre have been focus of particular controversy. sino-japanese relations warmed considerably after shinzo abe became prime minister of japan in september 2006, , joint historical study conducted china , japan released report in 2010 pointed toward new consensus on issue of world war 2-era atrocities. however, in 2010s, relations cooled once more, japan accusing china of withholding reserves of valuable rare earth elements.

southeast asia

china s geopolitical ambitions focus on southeast asia, beijing intent upon establishing preeminent sphere of influence. china has pursued ambition diplomatic campaign designed bind region china - politically, economically, , militarily. china s transformation major economic power in 21st century has led increase of foreign investments in bamboo network, network of overseas chinese businesses operating in markets of southeast asia share common family , cultural ties.

historically, china s relations region has been uneasy, due country s involvement vietnam war, malayan communist party during first , second communist insurgencies in malaysia, communist party of indonesia , 30 september movement in indonesia. result, friendly relations indonesia under sukarno government broke off in 1967, , not restored until 1990, while diplomatic relations malaysia not established until 1974. china s conflict government of vietnam on support of khmer rouge in cambodia resulted in sino-vietnamese war , other border conflicts. china s relationship singapore good, , latter 1 of 3 countries can enjoy visa-free entry country, starting 17 april 2011.

in 2002, china , asean agreed create code covering conduct in south china sea, has yet finalized.

in 2010, china claimed indisputable sovereignty on south china sea, said other nations in area continue navigate waters. ted carpenter of cato institute has called these claims breathtakingly bold .

in 2011, china objected growing coalition of nations grouping resist chinese sovereignty on south china sea, saying these nations not counterbalance , contain china expected. later year china updated strategy prevent more members of association of southeast asian nations joining washington-led containment policy , through use of dollar diplomacy. has proven more effective poorer asean countries, these dependent on chinese support.

europe

the end of long-held animosity between moscow , beijing marked visit china soviet president mikhail gorbachev in 1989. after 1991 demise of soviet union, china s relations russia , former states of soviet union became more amicable conflicting ideologies of 2 vast nations no longer stood in way. new round of bilateral agreements signed during reciprocal head of state visits. in 1950s soviet union, russia has again become important source of military technology china, raw materials , trade. friendly relations russia have been important advantage china, offsetting uneasy relations united states. relations europe, both eastern , western, have been friendly in 21st century, and, indeed, close political , trade relations european union nations have been major thrust of china s foreign policy in 2000s. in november 2005, president hu jintao visited united kingdom, germany, , spain , announced china s eagerness enter greater political , economic cooperation european partners.

western hemisphere


president xi jinping delivered speech @ national congress of brazil, 16 july 2014



cristina fernández , xi jinping in argentina, 18 july 2014

recent years have seen beijing s growing economic , political influence in south america , caribbean. during visit brazil, argentina, chile, , cuba in november 2004, chinese president hu jintao announced us$100 billion worth of investment on next decade. instance, cuba turning chinese companies rather western ones modernize crippled transportation system @ cost of more us$1 billion, continuing trend of favoring fellow communist country has made beijing cuba s second-largest trading partner after venezuela in 2005. in addition, china expanding military-to-military contacts in region. china training increasing numbers of latin american , caribbean region military personnel, due three-year-old u.s. law surrounding international criminal court has led sharp decline in u.s.-run training programs region.

caribbean

caribbean regional relations china based on trade, credits, , investments have increased since 1990s. many caribbean nations increasing ties china have been used way decrease long time over-dependence on united states.

additionally, china s policy in region utillisation of dollar diplomacy or attempts switch many nations recognizing taiwan independent nation instead recognition of 1 china policy in exchange chinese investment.

more recently, during various visits several chinese diplomats caribbean region deal signed china establish confucius institute @ mona campus of university of west indies, possible additional 1 established @ cave hill campus. these agreements part of basis of teaching mandarin chinese language courses @ regional university.

china has expanded several levels of cooperation caribbean region. china , government of republic of trinidad , tobago said have formed agreement asphalt trinidad , tobago exported china during construction boom in preparation 2008 summer olympics. in exchange, china has led several construction projects in trinidad , tobago , caribbean region via chinese owned construction companies. trinidad , tobago has mooted idea of starting direct shipments of oil , liquid natural gas direct trinidad , tobago china, fuel later s growing need resources fuel economy.

as caribbean political heads of government have had several messy run-ins bush administration in united states respect recent demands, china has been more sympathetic caribbean position globally , has stepped military training exercises in caribbean example in direct response several sanctions placed on governments in caribbean region not following wishes of bush administration.

several capital-works or infrastructural projects across caribbean region have been financed chinese government.

barbados

diplomatic relations between barbados , people s republic of china established on 30 may 1977. china began providing barbados diplomatic aide construction of sir garfield sobers gymnasium (1986), , other projects such as: construction assistance sir lloyd erskine sandiford centre (1994), , renovating bridgetown s cheapside market building (2005). in 2005, china exported us$19.19 million worth of goods, while importing $211,000 barbados.

the current chinese ambassador barbados xu hong, heads embassy in christ church, barbados. hong replaced former ambassador wei qiang in 2012. current barbadian ambassador beijing, china country s former prime minister sir lloyd erskine sandiford.

in 2004 barbados obtained approved destination status government in china. barbados , china members of united nations, caribbean development bank , group of 77.

following 2008 sichuan earthquake, barbadian prime minister visited chinese embassy sign book of condolence nation.

the wildey gymnasium in barbados built in 1992 assistance of p.r.c.

over years number of building projects have been carried out chinese government assistance these include: garfield sobers gymnasium, 2 adjustments on lloyd erskine sandiford centre, home vegetable growing experimental center, embroidery, grass weaving , feather handicraft. consideration giving according prime minister of barbados, david thompson china assist opening of new cruise ship facility in barbados.

chinese premier wen said china join hands barbados in deepening cooperation in areas of trade, tourism, architecture, , cultural exchange.

china s export volume barbados in 1999 reached us$2,035,000, while imports barbados @ us$13,000.

both nations have additionally signed bilateral agreements including double taxation agreement , reciprocal promotion , protection of investments treaty.

the chinese government remains 1 of main stakeholders in barbados-based caribbean development bank (cdb), lends various territories throughout caribbean region.

cuba

cuban–chinese relations interstate relations between china , cuba. relations based on trade, credits, , investments have increased since 1990s. china cuba’s second largest trading partner after venezuela. @ ceremonial trade gathering in havana in 2006, china’s ambassador cuba said our government has firm position develop trade co-operation between our countries. policy, orientation, has been determined. what’s left work complete our plans.

bilateral trade between china , cuba in 2005 totaled us$777 million, of us$560 million chinese exports cuba. china sending growing amount of durable goods cuba. chinese goods have become primary tools both in planned revitalisation of cuban transport infrastructure , in energy revolution of 2006 provide electricity cuban populace.

sinopec, chinese state oil company, has agreement state-owned cupet (cuba petroleum) develop oil resources. of mid-2008, sinopec had done seismic testing oil resources on island of cuba, no drilling. company has contract joint production in 1 of cuba s offshore areas of high potential yield, off coast of pinar del río, had done no off-shore drilling of mid-2008.

in november 2005, petrochina great wall drilling co., ltd. , cupet held ceremony signing of 2 drilling service contracts. great wall drilling has provided drilling rigs oil exploration on cuba s north coast.

oceania

china maintains diplomatic relations 8 countries in oceania: australia, fiji, federated states of micronesia, new zealand, papua new guinea, samoa, tonga , vanuatu whilst taiwan has diplomatic relations other six. pacific area of intense , continuous diplomatic competition between prc , roc, several countries (nauru, kiribati, vanuatu) having switched diplomatic support 1 other @ least once. both prc , roc provide development aid respective allies. prc wants establish preeminent sphere of influence in pacific islands.

policy

in 2003, china announced intended enhance diplomatic ties pacific islands forum, , increase economic aid package provided organisation. @ same time, chinese delegate zhou whenzhong added: [t]he pif should refrain exchanges of official nature or dialogue partnership of form taiwan .

in 2006, chinese premier wen jiabao announced china increase economic cooperation pacific island states. prc provide more economic aid, abolish tariffs exports pacific s least developed countries, annul debt of countries, distribute free anti-malaria medicines, , provide training 2 thousand pacific islander government officials , technical staff.

also in 2006, wen became first chinese premier visit pacific islands, taipei times described longtime diplomatic battleground china , taiwan . similarly, according ron crocombe, professor of pacific studies @ university of south pacific, there have been more pacific islands minister visits china other country .

in 2007, xinhua, chinese official press agency, stated pacific islands forum member countries had spoke[n] highly of generous assistance china has provided region on past many years , expressed hope further enhanced cooperation china .

in december 2007, dr john lee of magazine islands business asked himself , readers:

why china interested in pacific? after all, despite differences in size, population, wealth, , influence between china , islands in region, chinese have literally rolled out red carpet pacific leaders. meetings between chinese , pacific leaders not perfunctory ‘meet , greets’ in bland boardrooms of hotels. elaborate state functions bells , whistles state meetings can offer. [...] in word, chinese want ‘influence’. china sends more diplomats around world other country. [...] in terms of pacific, there more disturbing game being played out, namely ‘chequebook diplomacy’, taking place between china , taiwan in competition diplomatic recognition @ expense of other. taiwan matters profoundly china—and largely why china interested in pacific.

that same month, john henderson of university of canterbury stated that, in view, many pacific islanders worried livelihood being taken away chinese traders coming in, getting in buying political privileges, playing role in rigging elections . henderson suggested 2006 anti-chinese riots in tonga , solomon islands repeated in countries such fiji , vanuatu. added might lead prc increase role in region further, in order protect ethnic chinese pacific islanders. spokesman chinese embassy in fiji, hu lihua, responded stating: china not pose military threat other country. china opposes forms of hegemonism , power politics , never seek hegemony or engage in expansion. representative of fiji s chinese community rejected idea there might anti-chinese riots in fiji, , added: chinese in fiji have excellent relationship locals , contribute toward economy. have been successful in understanding local customs. many of have learnt language , have assimilated.

the final report of april 2008 australia 2020 summit addressed china s influence in pacific in following terms:

noted far china did not seem interested in exporting political values. interaction region economically focused or motivated rivalry winth taiwan.
noting china’s growing military power , emerging role major aid donor in region, participants agreed while china’s visibility had increased rapidly there remained uncertainty on seeking achieve, in long term. securing energy supplies 1 obvious goal. 1 strand of thought had emerged chinese not entirely clear aims in region.

in june 2008, report lowy institute stated china s aid policy towards pacific aimed solely @ encouraging pacific countries not grant diplomatic recognition taiwan, , there no sign of prc attempting increase military influence or access region s natural resources. reuters reports that, according institute s findings, china s chequebook diplomacy in south pacific , secrecy on aid programme small island nations having destabilising impact on region , due concerns dollar diplomacy influencing local politics. spokesman of chinese foreign ministry responded: assistance on basis of mutual benefit. must local economy develop , promote people s livelihoods. china never interfere in these countries internal affairs.

in june 2009, parliamentary delegations 4 pacific island countries jointly received wu bangguo, chairman of standing committee of national people s congress. delegation comprised isaac figir, speaker of congress of federated states of micronesia, tu ilakepa, speaker of legislative assembly of tonga, manu korovulavula, head of public accounting commission of fiji, , billy talagi, head of legislative committee of niue (a dependent territory of new zealand). delegation met chinese premier wen jiabao, spoke of increased economic , trade cooperation ; xinhua reported pacific island legislators expressed appreciation china s assistance , reiterated countries adherence one-china policy .

in august , september 2010, people s liberation army navy began unprecedented goodwill visit pacific allies, touring papua new guinea, vanuatu, tonga, new zealand , australia. aim, reported people s daily during ships four-day stop in tonga, enhancing friendship , strengthening military cooperation .

in april 2011, lowy institute issued new report noting china, in approach pacific, had been shifting grant aid soft loans , leading increasing problems of indebtedness , making pacific governments vulnerable political pressure beijing . report suggested countries may struggle repay loans within set timeframe, , outstanding loans may tie pacific countries beijing , in context of diplomatic competition taipei. report noted, however, loans destined projects create economic growth; growth create jobs, reduce poverty , make repayments .

in may 2011, addressing university of south pacific in suva, prc ambassador fiji han zhiqiang stated sino-pacific cooperation had resulted in plenty of substantial outcomes , benefits people in region . indicated volume of trade between prc , pacific island countries had increased 50% between 2009 , 2010, reaching € 2.46 billion. value of prc exports region year €1.74 billion (up 42% 2009), whilst value of imports pacific islands €730 million, 100%. prc investments in pacific islands in 2010 -primarily samoa, marshall islands, papua new guinea , fiji- had reached €72 million.

in april 2012 china continued widen diplomatic influence loans , aid region.

bilateral relations
australia

as emerging , developing economy, china important trading partner , destination australian raw material export growth of australian economy. 2 countries strengthening economic relations. 2007 election of kevin rudd prime minister of australia has been seen favourable sino-australian relations, notably in view of fact first australian prime minister speak fluent mandarin, , closer engagement asia 1 of 3 pillars of foreign policy.

in 2004, rudd, @ time shadow minister foreign affairs, had delivered speech in beijing entitled australia , china: strong , stable partnership 21st century .

in february 2008, australia reportedly chastised taiwan renewed push independence , reiterated support one-china policy . in april, however, rudd addressed chinese students @ peking university, and, speaking in mandarin, referred significant human rights problems in tibet . rudd raised issue in talks chinese premier wen jiabao, in context of simmering diplomatic tension according tv3. in august 2008, rudd met wen once more, , expressed concerns on questions of human rights, of religious freedom, of tibet, of internet freedom .

fiji

fiji first pacific island country establish diplomatic relations people s republic of china, in 1975. fiji s current ambassador china sir james ah koy. china s ambassador fiji cai jinbiao.

among pacific islands countries, fiji was, in 2010, second largest importer of prc exports, after papua new guinea, , had trade deficit of a$127m in trade relations china.

fiji s foreign policy under prime minister laisenia qarase (2000–2006) (in latter s own words) north - i.e., strengthen relations asia in general , china in particular. qarase stated: new markets, there flexibility of entry , readiness meet export needs of small, isolated island countries. engage on china increasingly north answers our trade , investment aspirations.

in 2005, taiwanese president chen shui-bian visited fiji, greeted government delegates full traditional fijian ceremony of welcome - although did not meet counterpart president ratu josefa iloilovatu uluivuda, nor prime minister qarase. ambassador cai expressed china s disappointment @ fiji having authorised visit. later year, relations strained once more when fiji supported taiwan s wish join world health organization. nonetheless, qarase s government did not vary official recognition of 1 china policy.

following military coup in fiji in december 2006, prc distanced western nations condemned overthrow of qarase s government. chinese ministry of foreign affairs deputy director general deng hongbo stated:

have respected fiji s status independent nation , have called on other countries same , reconsider attitudes towards fiji , current situation in country.

the post-coup interim government led commodore frank bainimarama has continued qarase s north policy. in july 2007, finance minister mahendra chaudhry responded contrast between western criticism , chinese support bainimarama s government:

fiji has friends in china, has friends in korea, has friends in [...] other asian countries. we’re no longer relying on australia , new zealand. , in event, united states not doing fiji anyway.

later year, china/fiji trade , economic commission set enhance economic relations between 2 countries. prc has maintained position of support, calling on other countries show understanding fiji s situation. , although fiji has no diplomatic relations taiwan, latter s trade mission representative in fiji, victor chin, has called on international community not pressure fiji: think should give interim government benefit of doubt. committed have election when ready. think should take words [sic] it.

in march 2008, following unrest in tibet, fiji expressed support china s actions in dealing rioting in lhasa. shortly thereafter, police in fiji arrested seventeen people protesting in support of tibet outside china s embassy in suva. arrested women had gathered peacefully , according radio new zealand international correspondent, , included human rights activist shamima ali.

a may 2008 article in sydney morning herald stated china s aid fiji has skyrocketed since coup in december 2006 , €650,000 on €100,000,000. author of article commented: australia , other western donors trying squeeze [fiji s] rebel government, china has dramatically stepped aid, dissipating pressure western donors might have been generating. author suggested china did not wish risk antagonising fiji , unwittingly push bainimarama government towards seeking aid taiwan: china finds boxed corner. on 1 hand, western states asking isolate new dictatorship in fiji. on other, china faces risk of losing fiji starved of funds renegade province, taiwan.

in august 2008, while on visit china, commodore bainimarama spoke of close , cordial relations our 2 countries share in our trade, cultural , sporting linkages , , added:

fiji not forget when other countries quick condemn following events of 1987, 2000 , 2006, china , other friends in asia demonstrated more understanding , sensitive approach events in fiji. government of people’s republic of china expressed confidence in our ability resolve our problems in our way, without undue pressure of interference.

in february 2009, @ time when fiji facing pressure pacific islands forum on apparent lack of progress towards restoration of democracy, chinese vice-president xi jinping paid state visit fiji , met prime minister bainimarama. on occasion, xi stated wished further enhance [sino-fiji] exchanges , cooperation in such fields culture, education, public health , tourism . xinhua reported that, during xi s visit, china , fiji had signed number of cooperative deals china provide fiji economic , technical assistance . china committed increasing imports fiji. bainimarama, part, re-affirmed country s recognition of 1 china policy, and, reported fiji village, thanked chinese government recognizing fiji s sovereignty , adopting policy of non-interference in domestic affairs .

in may, vice-president of fiji ratu epeli nailatikau described fiji s relationship government , people of people s republic of china 1 of important .

in june 2009, fiji democracy , freedom movement, organisation founded in australia campaign restoration of democracy in fiji, sent petition chinese embassy in canberra, asking china withdraw support military regime . @ same time, australian foreign minister stephen smith asked china not use [its] contacts fiji undermine efforts pressure fiji hold elections .

despite close relations between fiji , prc, taiwan provides continuous free medical assistance country. taiwanese medical team visits fiji on annual basis offer services in hospitals , clinics. fiji government has expressed gratitude help.

federated states of micronesia

the federated states of micronesia opened embassy in beijing.

new zealand

diplomatic relations new zealand first established in 1972. prc diplomatic representative new zealand, zhang limin, accredited new zealand s associated territories, cook islands and, since 2008, niue. people s republic of china in december 2007 became first country establish official diplomatic relations niue, , provides economic aid cook islands.

in september 2007, new zealand reaffirmed adherence 1 china policy.

in april 2008, new zealand became first developed country sign free trade agreement prc.

on 29 september 2008, new zealand s delegate in united nations openly praised improving relations between 2 governments of beijing , taipei.

in july 2009, niuean premier toke talagi stated that, if development aid not forthcoming new zealand, request aid china instead.

papua new guinea

diplomatic relations papua new guinea established in 1976, after papua new guinea became independent.

papua new guinea 1 of china s biggest trade partners in oceania. papua new guinea exports far more china other pacific islands country, , imports 3 times more china other such country. 1 of few countries in region maintain trade surplus in relations china; surplus reached record high of a$427m in 2010.

in 1999, government of prime minister bill skate recognised taiwan. skate lost power less week later, , papua new guinea s diplomatic recognition reverted china.

in 2003, chinese embassy in port moresby published statement of concern in reaction comments in papua new guinea press questioning justification png s relations people s republic. embassy statement insisted relations between 2 countries mutually beneficial, reasserted chinese claims taiwan, , concluded: our sincere hope local [png] media report on china , relations png in , objective way, further enhance mutual understanding , friendship between peoples of our 2 countries.

in july 2003, png governor general sir silas atopare visited china, re-affirmed country s adherence 1 china policy, and, according statement published chinese embassy, thank[ed] government , people of china commitment in providing aid png s development .

in 2005, relations cooled when papua new guinea, along fiji, supported taiwan s wish join world health organization.

it announced members of papua new guinea defence force receive training provided china. traditionally, military training aid in papua new guinea had been provided western countries, namely, australia, new zealand , united states.

samoa

the diplomatic relations between china , samoa established in 1975.

in late 1980s, china began sending doctors samoan national hospital, , sent on hundred on following 2 decades. samoa increased volume of imports china in late 2000s, while increasing exports country. in 2010, samoa reached record trade deficit in relations china, @ a$70m. in 2007, china provided samoa x-ray machine , several volunteer doctors. in 2008, china donated on €1,360,000 samoa fund education policies.

in march 2008, following unrest in tibet, speaker of samoan fono (legislative assembly), tolofuaivalelei falemoe leiataua, stated foreign leaders should not interfere china deals internal affairs , , should not meet dalai lama.

in june 2008, samoa announced opening diplomatic missions in china , japan - country s first diplomatic offices in asia. in september, chinese ministry of foreign affairs issued statement indicating china , samoa have conducted fruitful cooperation in fields of economy, trade, agriculture, sports, culture, education , health, international affairs , , china intended make more tangible efforts support samoa s economic , social development .

in 2010, chinese government-funded china-samoa agricultural demonstration farm established in nu u aim train samoan farmers on voluntary basis through chinese agricultural planting techniques . 500 samoan farmers received training chinese agricultural experts.

in 2011, 57 samoan students studying in china on chinese government sponsorship.

tonga

relations tonga first established in 1998. in 2000, noble tuʻivakano of nukunuku (later become prime minister) banned chinese stores nukunuku district. followed alleged complaints other shopkeepers regarding competition local chinese. in 2001, tonga s chinese community (of 3 or 4 thousand people) hit wave of hundred racist assaults. tongan government decided not renew work permits of on 600 chinese storekeepers, , admitted decision in response widespread anger @ growing presence of storekeepers .

that same year, however, tonga , china decided strengthen military relations . in 2008, china provided tonga military supplies worth on €340,000.

in 2006, rioters caused severe damage shops owned chinese-tongans in nukuʻalofa.

in april 2008, tongan king george tupou v visited china, reaffirmed country s adherence 1 china policy, and, according chinese state news agency xinhua, supported measures adopted handle incident in lhasa . king tupou v met chinese defense minister liang guanglie enhance exchange , cooperation between 2 militaries . xinhua stated china , tonga have fruitful cooperation in politics, economy, trade, agriculture , education, , kept sound coordination in regional , international affairs .

in 2010, chinese aid tonga included assistance in reconstruction of nuku alofa s central business district; agricultural project in vaini ; health clinics set in vavaʻu , vaini; provision of 7 chinese doctors two-year period; , allocation of €2.2 million social , economic development , including soft loans , interest free loans tonga government .

in april 2011, lowy institute reported that, of pacific countries, tonga carrying highest burden of debt chinese loans, amounting 32% of tonga s gdp. simultaneously, international monetary fund warned tonga facing debt distress , high possibility tonga [would] unable service debts in future .

vanuatu

in 2006, vanuatu signed economic cooperation agreement china, whereby latter assist vanuatu s economic development, , remove tariffs on imports vanuatu. china added vanuatu list of approved tourism destinations chinese tourists. ni-vanuatu trade minister james bule said country had requested china s assistance in supplying machines can establish plant in vanuatu produce bio fuel . contrast, opposition leader serge vohor has said china exerting influence on ni-vanuatu government s policy.

in may 2009, vanuatu appointed first ever ambassador china, former minister of finance willie jimmy. jimmy call[ed] [...] china have foot firmly planted in pacific through port vila , -the vanuatu daily post remarked- no doubt caused ruffled feathers among other foreign diplomatic partners .

in july 2010, chinese ambassador cheng shuping announced china fund number of projects in vanuatu, including national convention centre , expansion of prime minister’s offices , design , reconstruction of francophone wing of university of south pacific emalus campus .