Dear Editor,

For far too long, the Pacific has been caught in the crossfire of geopolitical rivalry, with China being relentlessly bashed by some Western-aligned countries often without nuance, without fairness, and with a deeply outdated mindset. It is time we, in the Pacific, open our eyes and think critically about the narratives we’ve been fed for decades.

China, like any country, is not perfect. But no country is. The assumption that only Western nations can be trusted partners while China must be viewed with suspicion is not only outdated, it is rooted in a legacy of colonialism and imperial control. Ironically, it is the very countries pointing fingers at China who have long histories of interference and exploitation in the Pacific. The United States, in particular, has wielded unchallenged hegemony over global affairs for nearly a century - a dominance that is now clearly fading.

In contrast, China has shown a remarkable commitment to genuine partnerships in the Pacific. From building much-needed infrastructure, roads, schools, and hospitals to offering scholarships, medical aid, and trade opportunities, China’s presence has been a practical one. Unlike the often conditional assistance from some traditional partners, China tends to listen, respect local customs, and work within cultural contexts. Shared values of collectivism, respect for elders, and harmonious living mean China often finds cultural resonance in the Pacific that others simply don’t.

Furthermore, China's Belt and Road Initiative has brought significant development to many small island nations. The idea that Pacific nations are "trapped" by Chinese loans is part of a misleading narrative. In fact, these investments are helping build resilience and connectivity that have been neglected by the West for decades.

Let’s also address the current China–US trade tensions. Despite heavy tariffs and trade restrictions, China’s economy remains resilient and adaptive. Its growing influence in global trade, technology, and finance is undeniable, and in many areas, Beijing now holds the upper hand. The shift in global power is real, and the era of unilateral U.S dominance is over. Rather than clinging to old alliances rooted in Cold War thinking, Pacific nations should recognise the advantages of a multipolar world.

Many of us have been unknowingly conditioned to distrust China through years of biased reporting and one-sided political rhetoric. It’s time we shake off that mental colonisation. China is not here to conquer, it is here to cooperate. If we continue to blindly reject its outreach, we may miss an opportunity to forge a future built on mutual respect, development, and cultural synergy.

Let’s judge China by its actions, not by the tired scripts written in faraway capitals.

Concerned