[Source: Facebook/ Fijian Government]

State Councilor and Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi held a virtual meeting with the leaders of the Pacific Island Forum member countries.

On the back of security concerns from Australia and the United States about China’s growing influence in the region, this meeting would have set the platform for Chinese engagement with the Pacific.

According to overseas media part of Wang’s visit is to sign a broad cooperation agreement with Pacific leaders.

The Chinese Embassy’s official Twitter page quotes Wang as saying that China has never interfered in the internal affairs of Pacific Island Countries, attached any political strings, nor sought any geopolitical self-interest.

Wang earlier held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, following which certain documents were signed between Chinese delegates and senior civil servants from the Fijian government.

The Chinese Foreign Minister also paid a courtesy call to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.