China not moved by Australia’s criticism of its aid to Pacific allies

China has hit back at Australia’s criticism of its foreign aid to the Pacific – saying it will ‘continue with such support and assistance.’

Speaking to journalists in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang said Australia’s accusations against China is borne out of Canberra’s reluctance to see Pacific Islands realise independent and sustainable development.

“On the basis of fully respecting the will of the governments and peoples of the Pacific Islands countries and their development needs, China has been assisting them within its capabilities with no political strings attached in particular, and such assistance has greatly boosted their socio-economic development and received warm welcome.

“I can tell this Australian official and the international community at large that China will continue with such support and assistance to the Pacific Islands countries, said Kang.

He referred to the construction of Fiji's Stinson Parade Bridge and the Vatuwaqa Bridge as part of China’s no string attached assistance to the Pacific.

The two bridges were constructed with China's assistance and opened to the traffic this week

“The Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in his speech said that China was a staunch cooperation partner and sincere friend. He thanked the Chinese government and enterprises for helping Fiji build these two marvellous bridges.’

“These two bridges were built with China's free assistance to Fiji. They will greatly improve the traffic and transportation conditions in the capital Suva and facilitate local people's lives. They are just two of the many aid projects we provide to the Pacific Islands countries which take into account the practical needs of the relevant country and are well received by local governments and peoples. I want to reiterate that China will continue with such support and assistance to the Pacific Islands countries to the best of its capability, reiterated Kang.

SOURCE; PACNEWS