The ‘China debt trap’ concept is a misinformation being spread by some Western countries.
That’s according to the Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency (HE) Li Ming in his commentary on the much talked about China aid.
He highlighted China aid is based on respect that has achieved tangible benefits.
“China debt trap is misinformation spread by some western countries.
“According to a research by Sri Lanka Institute of National Security Studies, only 10% of unpaid debts by Sri Lanka originate from China, while loans from Japan, Asian Development Bank (ABD) and World Bank stand at 12%, 14% and 11% respectively,” he said.
Ambassador Li said as an old Chinese saying goes; “It is more important to show people how to fish than just giving them fish.”
China aid is intended for independent and sustainable development of recipient countries.
As the largest developing country in the world, China has offered aid support to Pacific Island Countries including Solomon Islands in a wide range of areas under the framework of South-South cooperation for decades.
He said China helped build more than 100 infrastructure projects, including international conference centers, ports, roads, schools and hospitals around the world and region.
“China aid is based on equality and respect. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
He said in the past 100 years, China has suffered from poverty, wars, and disunity, bullied by western powers.
“Those are the reasons why China values peace, sovereignty and independence. When it comes to aid, China respects the need of recipient governments and people.
“All China aid projects in Solomon Islands are implemented upon full consultations with the government of Solomon Islands.”
He further highlighted that China aid is based on non-interference. Foreign aid is not a political tool. No country should use aid to interfere with domestic affairs of others.
“In Solomon Islands, China respects sovereignty of the national government when cooperating with provinces on aid projects.
“China never exports its values, never boasts itself as ‘lighthouse of democracy’, never hand out ‘blank cheques.’ We do not make irresponsible comments and dishonor recipient countries.
“And we stand ready to make friends with all, enemy to none. All parties, all provinces and all walks of life in Solomon Islands can become our friends.”
He said China’s assistance to rural villages has already benefited all constituencies in nine provinces.
He said China aid already produced tangible outcomes for the country.
“In the past two years since diplomatic relations established between China and Solomon Islands, people have seen and felt real benefits of China’s development projects.
“The PG2023 Stadium facilities are rising up. SINU Dormitories Project is progressing well.”
He said China aid is sustainable. China adheres to win-win principle. “All China aid projects are based on independent assessment and feasibility studies, including environment protection and financial sustainability.”
He said China is an old friend and genuine partner of Solomon Islands.
“The diplomatic relationship between China and Solomon Islands serves the long-term and fundamental interests of the Solomon Islands people, and goes with the trend of times.
“China will steadfastly undertake aid projects and cooperation programs in Solomon Islands,” he said.
