Leaders from 11 Pacific Island nations have gathered in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, for the third China-Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The two-day summit, held from Wednesday to Thursday, aims to strengthen cooperation and development between these nations and China, the world’s second-largest economy.
Over the past three decades, trade between China and the Pacific Islands has skyrocketed. According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, total trade volume expanded from $153 million in 1992 to an impressive $5.3 billion in 2021, marking an average annual growth of 13 percent. In 2024, trade is projected to reach $6.36 billion, with the Pacific Islands maintaining a trade surplus thanks to key exports like forestry and marine products.
China has been investing heavily in the region’s infrastructure, contributing to projects that enhance connectivity among the island nations. Notable developments include the Independence Boulevard in Papua New Guinea and the Malekula Road in Vanuatu. These initiatives not only improve local transportation but also facilitate trade and economic growth.
Beyond infrastructure, China is playing a significant role in climate change adaptation efforts across the Pacific. A United Nations Development Fund (UNDF) report highlights China’s support in critical areas such as agriculture, health, education, and renewable energy, helping these nations tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
Fiji has been a key beneficiary of China’s financial support. A researcher at the New Zealand Asia Institute at Auckland University noted in an opinion piece that China’s investments in Fiji include building a new airport terminal and upgrading the road network, bolstering the country’s transportation and tourism sectors.
As the summit unfolds, leaders are reflecting on their partnerships with China. “It’s an apt time to review Samoa’s partnership with China,” said Samoa’s Prime Minister Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa in an interview with China Media Group (CMG). She emphasized that it’s a “critical juncture” to consolidate past successes and explore future development areas. Mata’afa suggested that the next step forward should focus on creating value-added, business-based activities.
The China-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting underscores the growing ties between China and the Pacific region. As these partnerships deepen, they hold the promise of mutual benefits, fostering economic growth, sustainable development, and stronger cultural connections.
