Senior Chinese diplomat defends China's cooperation with the Solomon Islands

A senior Chinese diplomat has lashed out at nations - including Australia - for pointing fingers at the security cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands, saying that such actions constituted infringements on other nations' sovereignty, interference on domestic affairs and are a violation of international rules.

Xie Feng, vice-minister of foreign affairs, told a launching ceremony of a Climate Action Cooperation Center between China and Pacific island nations that countries, including Australia, are not entitled to drawing a "red line" between the Solomon Islands and China.

The signing of the framework agreement on security cooperation between the Chinese government and the government of the Solomon Islands represented the sacred rights of two sovereign nations and was part of routine law enforcement and security cooperation, which followed international law and international practices.

He reiterated that the cooperation is not targeting a third party and conforms to the common interests of the Pacific island nation and the South Pacific region.

"This is essentially and drastically different from the attempts made by some countries to form small circles, conduct underhanded maneuvers, establish military blocs, spur armed race, exacerbate the risks of nuclear proliferation, stir bloc confrontation and introduce regional tensions," he said.

Xie said the Pacific is the common home of all nations in the region and a major stage for international cooperation, rather than some nations' backyard or territory or an arena for geopolitical games.

He added that China's efforts to further ties and cooperation with Pacific Island nations is not out of self-interest, and the nation will not seek its sphere of influence or resort to bully or coercion.

China will forever be a constructive force that promotes peace and development, he said.