Beijing to appoint special envoy for Pacific nations
Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday arrived in Tonga as part of his tour through the region, shortly after Beijing issued a position paper on proposals to deepen partnership with Pacific island nations. The document said one of the ways China will seek to boost ties is by appointing a special government envoy for Pacific island countries affairs, according to Xinhua news agency. On security, Beijing hopes to work with nations there to promote regional peace and security. The paper also said China will deepen economic cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and fishery, energy, communication technology and tourism, among other things. Wang's Tonga visit also comes after the second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Fiji on Monday, where he was unable to reach a consensus with his counterparts. The virtual meeting attended by Wang and foreign ministers from 10 island nations deferred consideration of a agreement proposed by Beijing spanning policing, security, fisheries, data and a free trade zone. Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa was among the leaders who called for a delay and wants major decisions on the region to go through the Pacific Islands Forum group, Samoan media reported on Tuesday. Niue's leader on Monday evening also issued a statement saying more time was needed to consider "how the arrangement with China will support existing regional plans". Despite their small populations and economies, each Pacific state represents a vote at international forums such as the United Nations. They also control vast swathes of resource-rich ocean. (Additional reporting from Reuters)