01:55China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned Washington not to use the Pacific islands as 'pawns' following a meeting of some of the leaders with the US president, during a briefing in Beijing on Friday.
"China is open to countries that are willing to strengthen normal exchanges and co-operation with island countries," she said. "At the same time, we believe that Pacific island countries should not become pawns in the game of major powers."
"We hope that the US can sincerely provide support for Pacific island countries to address climate change and achieve development and revitalisation, instead of engaging in geopolitical games in the name of co-operation," the spokesperson continued.
On Thursday, the US signed a joint declaration with 14 leaders of Pacific island states, with President Biden promising to 'better meet the needs of the people across the Pacific'.
Beijing wasn’t explicitly mentioned, although Biden did say that 'the security of America, quite frankly, and the world depends on your security'.
Tensions between Washington and China have been heightened over the summer, following visits by US lawmakers to Taiwan, which Beijing regards as part of its territory under the 'One China' principle. Both countries increased their military presence in the area.
China: 'Pacific islands should not become pawns in power game' - MOFA spox warns Washington following Biden intervention
China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned Washington not to use the Pacific islands as 'pawns' following a meeting of some of the leaders with the US president, during a briefing in Beijing on Friday.
"China is open to countries that are willing to strengthen normal exchanges and co-operation with island countries," she said. "At the same time, we believe that Pacific island countries should not become pawns in the game of major powers."
"We hope that the US can sincerely provide support for Pacific island countries to address climate change and achieve development and revitalisation, instead of engaging in geopolitical games in the name of co-operation," the spokesperson continued.
On Thursday, the US signed a joint declaration with 14 leaders of Pacific island states, with President Biden promising to 'better meet the needs of the people across the Pacific'.
Beijing wasn’t explicitly mentioned, although Biden did say that 'the security of America, quite frankly, and the world depends on your security'.
Tensions between Washington and China have been heightened over the summer, following visits by US lawmakers to Taiwan, which Beijing regards as part of its territory under the 'One China' principle. Both countries increased their military presence in the area.
China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned Washington not to use the Pacific islands as 'pawns' following a meeting of some of the leaders with the US president, during a briefing in Beijing on Friday.
"China is open to countries that are willing to strengthen normal exchanges and co-operation with island countries," she said. "At the same time, we believe that Pacific island countries should not become pawns in the game of major powers."
"We hope that the US can sincerely provide support for Pacific island countries to address climate change and achieve development and revitalisation, instead of engaging in geopolitical games in the name of co-operation," the spokesperson continued.
On Thursday, the US signed a joint declaration with 14 leaders of Pacific island states, with President Biden promising to 'better meet the needs of the people across the Pacific'.
Beijing wasn’t explicitly mentioned, although Biden did say that 'the security of America, quite frankly, and the world depends on your security'.
Tensions between Washington and China have been heightened over the summer, following visits by US lawmakers to Taiwan, which Beijing regards as part of its territory under the 'One China' principle. Both countries increased their military presence in the area.