NADI, Fiji, April 5 (UPI) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao offered a wide-ranging aid package to Pacific island nations with ties to Beijing during a state visit to Fiji Wednesday.
Wen offered $370 million in preferential loans, a no-tariff policy and a cancellation of debts that matured in 2005 to the eight island countries that support Beijing's one-China policy. He also said the islands would be approved as tourist destinations for Chinese visitors.
China promised free anti-malaria medicine and training for health workers as well as 2,000 government officials over the next three years.
Wen made the commitments during a speech at the first China-Pacific Islands Economic Development and Cooperation Forum, which opened in Nadi Wednesday.
"China is not rich," Wen said. "Still, we are ready to provide assistance without any political strings attached to the Pacific island countries to the best of our ability."
During the forum, China signed a deal with the Cook Islands, Fiji, Micronesia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu to promote cooperation in fields including agriculture and fishery, the People's Daily reported.
China and Taiwan compete to provide assistance and win recognition from the Pacific islands. China has relations with eight countries in the region, while Taiwan has six.
