China Fails to Sign Security Pact with Pacific Nations

China Security Pact UPSC: Relevance

• GS 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

China Security pact pacific: Context

• Recently, talks between China and 10 Pacific nations failed to reach a consensus on a security pact after sharp warnings that the proposal would push the region into “Beijing’s orbit.

China security policy: Key points

• The virtual summit was expected to discuss the proposals to increase China’s presence in involvement in the security, economy and politics of the South Pacific.
• However, some of the leaders of the Pacific nations voiced deep concern about the proposed agreement and hence could not reach an agreement.

About the Chinese security pact

• China had earlier proposed a pact that would enable the country to train Pacific Island police, become involved in cybersecurity, expand political ties, conduct sensitive marine mapping and gain greater access to natural resources on land and in the water.
• Besides, China also offered millions of dollars in financial assistance, the prospect of a China-Pacific Islands free trade agreement and access to China’s vast market of 1.4 billion people.
• China has pitched itself to the South Pacific as a “major developing country” that stands shoulder to shoulder with small and medium-sized nations.

China security policy: The issue

• The President of Micronesia warned that the proposed agreement was “disingenuous” and would “ensure Chinese influence in government” and “economic control” of key industries.
• Besides, US and Australia too have warned the island states to be wary of “shadowy, vague deals with little transparency”.
• China’s economic expansion has created a sense of insecurity among various nations due to their hidden motives behind the projects.
• The present condition of Sri Lanka and many African countries, besides the operational issues in Belt and Road initiative, have raised several doubts regarding China’s ambitions.

About the South Pacific nations

• South Pacific is one of the most vulnerable nations due to climate change.
• Many island nations are facing survival issues due to rising level of sea, as they are the first to face the disaster during any natural hazard.
• The inability of the global conferences like the UNFCCC to deal with the situation amicably has further deepened the trust deficit between the region and the mainstream countries.

China security policy: Way forward

• China said that it will release its own position paper highlighting its own positions and propositions and cooperation proposals with Pacific Island countries.

Read current affairs for UPSC

Sharing is caring!