To say it again: China has established a precedent of taking our private citizens in multilateral meetings to formally represent our country without our Government's awareness or approval thereof.
Panuelo criticizes China's use of private citizens to represent the FSM at international meetings.
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At worst in the short-term, it means we sell our country and our sovereignty for temporary personal benefit.
I am clearly aware that I must make the argument not only in terms of preventing war and saving lives, but in terms of how we can fill the gap that would occur if we were to turn off the flow of money from China.
The FSM says 'no', and our sovereignty is disrespected, with the PRC saying we have achieved a consensus when we have not.
Let's be clear, Foreign Affairs will prepare a letter to say 'no' to the Chinese vaccines. Our answer should be very clear that, while we appreciate the offer, the answer is no because we have more than enough vaccines.