Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade Chris Reed says China has legitimate interest in the Pacific and must be respected.
“I don’t think there is a country in the world which isn’t dealing with this huge strategic shift in world affairs which comes from the emergence of China.
“I don’t think that Australia or New Zealand or other governments in the region are looking for anything other than strong positive relationships with China in the same way China’s free trade agreement has been important to the economic wellbeing of New Zealand.
“We hope those sort of relationships can be replicated around the rest of region.
“It’s also clear China has been a player in the region for a very long time and has many legitimate interests in the Pacific. China is a very active participant in this week’s Forum dialogue.
Reed said every Pacific Islands governments will decide on its relationship with China.
