China is not seeking a sphere of influence in Pacific island states, President Xi Jinping has told the visiting prime minister of Vanuatu, amid Western fears of China's growing role in the region.
China has offered to help developing countries, including those in the Pacific, and many see Chinese lending as the best way to develop their economies. Critics say Chinese loans can lead countries into a debt trap.
Australia and the US have looked on with concern at China's growing Pacific role, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to visit the Solomon Islands next week.
Xi met Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai in Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Tuesday and reportedly insisted China was acting in good faith to strengthen cooperation with Pacific island countries.
"We have no private interests in island countries, and do not seek a so-called 'sphere of influence'," China's Foreign Ministry paraphrased Xi as saying.
"Countries, no matter big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community."
Xi said Beijing was willing to deepen agricultural technology cooperation with Vanuatu and would continue to encourage Chinese companies to invest there.
Vanuatu and China denied reports last year that Beijing wanted to establish a permanent military presence in the country.
