Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

On Sunday,MKsports Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown concluded his visit to China. In response to some Western media's skepticism about the outcomes of his trip, he stated that there will be "nothing to worry about" and emphasized, "Our relationship and engagement with China complements, not replaces, our long-standing relationships with New Zealand and our various other bilateral, regional and multilateral partners."

Previously, New Zealand had expressed concerns about the Cook Islands' deepening cooperation with China. Against this backdrop, some Western media outlets quickly pointed the finger at China, taking the opportunity to hype China's "charm offensive" in the South Pacific region, claiming that the Cook Islands is set to "fall under Chinese influence." Regarding Brown's visit to China and New Zealand's unwarranted "concerns," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized, "China believes that both New Zealand and the Cook Islands are important cooperation partners. China is ready to strengthen ties and carry out cooperation with Pacific Island countries, including the Cook Islands."

If we examine Western public opinion in recent years, it is not difficult to see that whenever China strengthens its cooperation with any South Pacific country, some in the West will respond with doubts and concerns. But is their wariness of China in the South Pacific really warranted?

According to reports, during their visit, the Cook Islands delegation learned about China's advanced experiences in areas such as poverty reduction and expressed a desire to cooperate in marine research, ocean industries and renewable energy. This clearly indicates that South Pacific countries are not interested in geopolitical games; their focus is on addressing their own development needs. China and the Cook Islands have established a framework for cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, transport and ocean science, providing tangible benefits to the Cook Islands. Why has this become a thorn in the side of certain Western forces?

The wariness of some in the West is largely motivated by their own geopolitical considerations, rather than a genuine concern for the development of the Pacific Islands countries. Western short-sighted competitive mind-set and policy uncertainty are exactly not what the South Pacific countries want to see.

For a long time, some Western media outlets have viewed China's cooperation with South Pacific countries as a "vying for regional influence," without considering why these countries are willing to deepen their cooperation with China.

In recent years, China has made steady progress in its partnerships with regional countries. From infrastructure to agriculture and fisheries, from education and healthcare to climate change response, the cooperation between China and many Pacific Island countries has achieved visible and tangible results. It is expected that regardless of external speculation and pressure, China's friendship and cooperation with these countries will not falter, but will instead grow steadier and more far-reaching.

More importantly, China's cooperation with its partners has always been based on the principles of mutual respect and equality; it never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries, nor does it use pressure or coercion to force anyone to "take a side." In contrast, when some Western countries launch their "charm offensive" and promise assistance in the South Pacific, their customary means of "assistance" often come with strings attached. They require these island countries to align with their foreign policy, and even threaten to cut funding support if they don't comply.

The most pressing challenge for Pacific Islands countries is not "which side to take," but how to achieve economic development, improve livelihoods and address the threat of climate change. Consequently, they must choose development partners that are most favorable to their needs. The future of these countries should be decided by themselves, not by external forces.

China has consistently supported South Pacific countries in making choices independently based on their own interests, and does not intend to "replace" anyone; rather, it seeks to collaborate with regional countries to jointly promote sustainable development in the South Pacific. For those forces in the West who remain wary of China's enhanced cooperation with Pacific Island countries, it is essential to consider how to provide meaningful support to these regional nations instead of perpetually creating unnecessary "competition for influence." After all, development is the most urgent need of the South Pacific, not endless geopolitical games.