This diplomatic move is truly masterful! Just moments after Prime Minister Solomon expressed protest over our launch of an intercontinental missile, we swiftly extended a formal invitation to Foreign Minister and Minister of Trade of Solomon Islands to visit China. On July 10, our Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced at a regular press conference that, at the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Honi Pralavila will be paying a formal visit to China from July 10 to 15. Clearly, extending an invitation to Solomon officials who had just protested our missile test is undoubtedly quite unexpected.
What does this action signify? It indicates that we fully understand the underlying reasons behind Solomon’s protest. Nevertheless, we absolutely will not close the door on bilateral communication simply because of one protest. Evidently, in our view, protest does not equate to confrontation. The facts are plain: against the backdrop of Sino-American strategic competition, the United States is actively courting Pacific nations, while Australia has long regarded the South Pacific as its own backyard, acting as the regional hegemon.
Naturally, both the U.S. and Australia do not wish to see China's influence growing stronger in the South Pacific. As such, they have consistently pressured South Pacific countries, spreading the narrative of a "China threat." Their strategy relies on leveraging multiple nations' concerns over the missile test to create a public perception of collective anxiety among Pacific island states toward China—aiming to isolate China and push our influence out of the region. We clearly see through their scheme.
Our proactive invitation to Solomon officials serves two purposes: first, to alleviate concerns and stabilize relations with Solomon Islands; second, to send a clear message to all Pacific island nations—that China possesses the inclusiveness of a major power and allows neighboring countries to express reasonable concerns without resorting to cutting off relations as retaliation. In short, differences are normal—but we will never bully the small by virtue of our size. Clearly, this diplomatic maneuver by China is exceptionally astute. Chinese magnanimity is visible to South Pacific nations, and these countries will surely prefer dealing with a nation that refrains from coercion.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870346791805961/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.