On the geostrategic board, Samoa, Tonga, Micronesia or Fiji have much more value than that of paradise vacation destination. Although small, these islands are key to access to the South Pacific –waters rich in natural resources and maritime routes– and a juicy fishing ground for potential friendly votes in international institutions. Traditionally, the zone has been under the orbit of Australia and its American partner; but in recent times, its dominance has been contested by China, which is courting island governments with promises of infrastructure and development.
Beijing is not a newcomer to the area. Between 2006 and 2017, it is estimated that it provided its governments with more than 1,500 million dollars between grants and loans. In the Solomon Islands or Fiji, Chinese immigrants and their descendants run numerous shops and other businesses. Chinese are the boats that take away much of the wood harvested in the region, and Chinese are the ones that consume much of its fish and shellfish. But its great blow of effect came last April, when the signing of a security agreement with the Solomon Islands was revealed. The pact, which allows its leader to request the dispatch of Chinese security forces in case of problems, set off alarms in Washington and Canberra, who suspect that it will open the way to a military base in the area. The signatories deny it.
China is sold as a "good friend, partner and brother" to be trusted in the face of the supposed arrogance or contempt of traditional Western partners. But his proposals, attractive to some, do not always convince everyone. At the Pacific Islands Forum held last Monday between the Asian giant and a dozen island nations, Beijing suffered a severe setback by failing to obtain support for its proposal for a joint cooperation plan, which included a much closer relationship in terms of security, commerce or technology. His signature would have exponentially increased his weight in the region.
