Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to chair the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen, Fujian Province from May 28 to 29, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. This marks the first time the meeting will be held in person in China.
Representatives from 11 Pacific Island countries that have diplomatic relations with China will attend the meeting. The attendees include President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau of Kiribati, Premier and Foreign Minister Dalton Tagelagi of Niue, Crown Prince and Minister for Foreign Affairs Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala of Tonga, and other high-ranking officials from Nauru, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Samoa. The Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Esala Nayasi, will also be present.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China and the Pacific Island countries are comprehensive strategic partners committed to mutual respect and common development. In recent years, the two sides have deepened their friendly ties and cooperation.
“The meeting will provide an opportunity for an in-depth exchange of views on cooperation between China and the Pacific Island countries in all aspects, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest,” Mao said during a regular press conference.
China hopes that the meeting will help implement the important common understandings reached between leaders of both sides, enhance solidarity and coordination, and work together for development and prosperity. This will further strengthen the close community with a shared future between China and the Pacific Island countries, Mao added.
