Vanuatu's support for China in sea dispute 'predictable' Featured
The city of Sansha on the island of Yongxing, also known as Woody island in the disputed Paracel chain
30 May, 2016. A commentator on Pacific affairs says Vanuatu's endorsement of China's position regarding the South China Sea dispute shouldn't come as much of a surprise.
The city of Sansha on the island of Yongxing, also known as Woody island in the disputed Paracel chain.
Last week, the Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, said it recognised China's territorial claim to a significant portion of the sea.
But China's claims, and militarisation of disputed islands, have angered many neighbouring countries and the United States, with the Philippines challenging China's position at an international tribunal.
The founder of DevPacific, Tess Newton Cain, who is based in Port Vila, said Vanuatu had a closer relationship with China than any other side in the dispute, so its support was not surprising.
She said Chinese representatives had been trying to rally Vanuatu's support for a while.
"The ambassador has been raising it with members of the Salwai government. I don't know to what extent -- you know, if there was a specific request or whether it was a suggestion -- but certainly it's something the Chinese embassy has been seeking to keep on the agenda."
Tess Newton Cain said Vanuatu had a long history of independent foreign relations.
RNZI
2 comments
-
Kuo osi fakamahino mai mei Siaina ia e holoki e tokoni kotoa oku omai ki Tonga ni he na'e faka'ai'ai e Akilisi e tutu o e 1611 o sii uesia ai honau Kainga tokolahi nae i he fonua ni pea nae ikai ke puli e fakalili'a ange a Akilisi kia kinautolu mo e hau tokolahi honau kakai ki heni.
Mou kataki Siaina o tokonii atu e otu Pule'anga ofa mo faitotonu i he Pasifiki tuku pe a Tonga ni ia he oku nau takitaha fa'o pe ma'a na -
Io, oku takai holo a SIAINA LAHI he ng Otu Motu ìiki he Pasifiki ke ma'u enau poupou.!!!
Ko Fiji n Vanuatu kuo Mahino??? Fefe toenga?? Tau tali pe kuo mei Fkpatu a Siaina moha fuu Tokoni Lahi faufaua........