China and the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are deepening their long-standing friendship through a series of cooperative initiatives, setting a new benchmark for South-South collaboration. From climate action to rural development and education, this strengthened partnership is fostering sustainable growth and prosperity across the Pacific region.
Since 2021, China has launched several cooperation mechanisms aimed at supporting sustainable development in the PICs. These include the Reserve of Emergency Supplies, the Climate Action Cooperation Center, the Poverty Reduction and Development Cooperation Center, the Disaster Risk Reduction Cooperation Center, and the Agriculture Cooperation and Demonstration Center. These centers are instrumental in improving the well-being of Pacific island peoples.
Climate change remains a pressing concern for the PICs, with islands facing risks like freshwater shortages, biodiversity loss, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events. The China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Cooperation Center, established in 2022, serves as a key platform connecting scientists, technical professionals, enterprises, and policymakers to collaborate on climate solutions in areas such as green energy, low-carbon development, and climate governance awareness.
Over the past years, more than 120 government officials and technical experts from Pacific Island countries have visited the center and participated in its training programs. In a tangible example of impact, the center donated ten family-scale solar electricity systems to Tonga in 2023, reducing household electricity costs by up to 80% for these families.
Liaocheng City in east China’s Shandong Province, home to the Climate Change Cooperation Center, is increasingly becoming an overseas hub for the PICs in China. The city has established sister-city relationships with Fiji, Kiribati, Vanuatu, and Tonga, hosting various cultural exchange events to welcome guests from the Pacific islands.
In 2024, the China-Pacific Island Countries Cooperation and Exchange Conference was held in Liaocheng, offering opportunities for exchange in cultural tourism, education, sports, low-carbon development, and humanitarian aid. A key outcome of the conference was the launch of the China-Pacific Island Countries Green Development and Cooperation Alliance, aiming to support the PICs in areas such as energy transition, ecosystem protection, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Later this month, the “Decoding China’s Rural Revitalization” tour will bring guests from the PICs to Liaocheng’s countryside. Known for its expansive farmland, Liaocheng has championed rural development by modernizing its agricultural sector and promoting rural tourism. Guests will have the chance to experience rural Chinese life firsthand, taste local food, and engage in cultural activities.
Education is another crucial pillar of social advancement for Pacific Island nations. Shandong Province offers scholarships for students from these countries to pursue university programs. Currently, 24 students from Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa are studying at Liaocheng University, immersing themselves in Chinese language and culture.
Through cooperation in climate action, rural development, education, and other key areas, China and the Pacific Island countries have strengthened their partnership. China’s economic and technical assistance has played a vital role in supporting the PICs’ social and economic advancement.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and both Fiji and Samoa. In alignment with the vision laid out by Pacific leaders in their Blue Pacific Continent Strategy—a vision of a resilient Pacific region marked by peace, harmony, security, inclusion, and prosperity—China remains a steadfast partner. In this new chapter of China-Pacific Island Countries relations, China will continue to support sustainable development, promote regional prosperity, and improve the well-being of peoples in those countries.
