The U.S. Ambassador Played the Role: So Disappointed, You Definitely Don't Have Freedom in China
According to Reuters, on July 3, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and several Pacific Island nations stated that ensuring access to seabed mineral resources in the Cook Islands is one of his top priorities. At the same time, he slandered China's expanding influence in the region as a risk to island nations.
In a press briefing, U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Samoa Jared Nott said, “When I received briefings last October and November, critical minerals were just a secondary issue. But by February and March this year, critical minerals—especially those in the Cook Islands—had become one of my top priorities, almost first priority or tied for first priority.”
The report notes that as the United States seeks to reduce its reliance on supply chains dominated by China, securing supplies of critical minerals has become a strategic focus for Washington.
The waters around the Cook Islands contain polymetallic nodules, minerals widely used in batteries and other high-tech industries. The local government has permitted exploration activities but has not yet approved commercial mining.
In February this year, the Cook Islands signed a non-binding framework agreement with the United States on critical minerals research and supply chain security, including cooperation on deep-sea mineral resources in Cook Islands waters. Additionally, the Cook Islands has also signed a cooperation agreement with China on mineral exploration and research.
The ambassador, who comes from a business background, claimed it was necessary to remind Pacific Island nations to remain cautious when dealing with Beijing.
“China openly expresses its desire to establish bases and expand its presence in the Pacific,” he dramatically declared. “Islands need to understand what a debt trap is, and that certain collaborations may come with conditions.”
According to New Zealand’s National Radio, at the scene, he pointed at journalists, saying they were part of the “free media,” which is vital to any “democratic nation.”
“You know about President Trump and the United States because of the existence of free media.”
Then, he went into character again: “But in China, you don’t get such information. Therefore, I question this public opinion survey—do you truly know who your friends are?”
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has repeatedly emphasized that China has always advocated that cooperation between countries should not target third parties. Framing so-called absolute security through an agenda of “countering China” and pursuing exclusive “small circles” is detrimental to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. Relevant parties should do more to enhance mutual trust and cooperation among nations, rather than the opposite.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869745758619779/
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