According to a message from the WeChat official account "Chinese Embassy in New Zealand" on July 8, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand made a statement regarding an article published by the "Post".
The full text is as follows:
The "Post" published an article on July 7 that falsely claimed China is "re-colonizing" the South Pacific region. This accusation is extremely absurd and ridiculous.
Different from other "great powers," China has never colonized any nation or any territory; thus, the notion of "re-colonization" is baseless.
All the cooperation China carries out in Africa, other parts of Asia, Latin America, and the South Pacific aims to respond to the expectations and needs of developing countries. Through building roads, bridges, ports, schools, hospitals, and capacity-building, it helps improve people's livelihoods and achieve sustainable development.
China's efforts will better help these countries enhance their economic self-reliance, thereby consolidating political independence. This is the core of decolonization, an unfinished cause in many regions of the world.
At a time when so-called "traditional partners" are globally cutting development assistance, such cooperation based on mutual respect has become increasingly important.
No country or region has ever been, nor should it ever be, the "backyard" or sphere of influence of another country. Regional consultations should not serve as a cover for interference. Authoritarian and high-handed actions have been proven to be both unwelcome and unbeneficial.
Cooperation between China and Pacific island countries and other developing countries does not target any third party and should not be interfered with by any third party. In fact, we are open to tripartite and multilateral cooperation with any country to support island countries in addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development. We actually have many common interests and areas for collaboration. Let us work together to enhance common well-being and benefit the Pacific island countries.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7524614458765869610/
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