Pacific Nations Reject China Security Pact

Context:

China has suffered a big diplomatic humiliation in the pacific. 10 island nations in the region rejected China’s proposed security pact.

Relevance:

GS II- International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Features of the Pact
2. Why did Pacific Nations reject?

Features of the Pact

• China has proposed to significantly up its activity in the South Pacific, directly threatening the US and its allies’ dominance in the strategically important region.
• Beijing was supposed to:
  • Train Pacific island police,
  • Become involved in cybersecurity,
  • Strengthen political ties,
  • Conduct sensitive maritime mapping,
  • Gain more access to natural resources on land and in the water
• As a bribe, Beijing is promising millions of dollars in financial aid, as well as the possibility of a lucrative China-Pacific islands free trade pact and access to China’s massive market.

Why did Pacific Nations reject?

• The offer was deemed “disingenuous” and would “guarantee Chinese influence in government” as well as “economic control” of critical businesses.
• A lack of regional consensus was also acknowledged by the nations. 

-Source: The Hindu