Micronesia leader accuses China of bribery, threats in Taiwan bid
Al JazeeraJUL 2023
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
Beijing wants a foothold in the islands and would love nothing more than to drive a wedge between Washington and Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. Renewing Compacts with those three states effectively puts an end to China's efforts to displace the United States as the region's dominant superpower. However, the battle for the loyalties of other Pacific Island countries remains fully in play, and Washington has long-standing strategic ties with those nations.
Pro-China narrative
China is ready to work with Pacific partners to implement the consensus reached by the nations' leaders, continue to expand their practical cooperation and share the benefits of economic globalization. The PRC also seeks common ground while shelving differences with other countries in promoting stability and prosperity for all. Despite baseless claims, Beijing doesn't pursue what some call "debt trap" diplomacy and, unlike the US, avoids empty promises. China is an extremely important partner for Pacific Island nations.
Metaculus Prediction
There is a 25% chance that the Solomon Islands will host a Chinese military base before 2032, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
