Xiamen, China — In a historic gathering on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and leaders from Pacific Island Countries (PICs) pledged to build a closer community with a shared future. The Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting marked a significant step in strengthening ties and cooperation between China and the PICs.
Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chaired the meeting with Kiribati’s President and Foreign Minister, Taneti Maamau, in the coastal city of Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province.
Highlighting the importance of the partnership, Wang Yi proposed a six-point plan to foster a China-PICs community. This plan focuses on:
Upholding mutual respect
Prioritizing development cooperation
Maintaining people-centered governance
Promoting exchange and mutual learning
Safeguarding equity and justice
Maintaining solidarity in challenging times
“China will firmly uphold the principle of non-interference in others’ internal affairs and support the PICs in safeguarding their sovereignty, security, and development interests,” Wang Yi stated.
Emphasizing development, Wang Yi expressed China’s readiness to work with the PICs to implement the Global Development Initiative and deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He urged efforts to accelerate the negotiation of bilateral free trade agreements, strengthen cooperation in agriculture and fisheries, and expand tourism exchanges.
China also pledged to share its experiences in poverty alleviation and grassroots governance. Wang Yi announced plans to implement 200 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects this year and to send seven batches of 56 medical staff, including traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, to the PICs to promote the well-being of their people.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of China’s establishment of diplomatic relations with the PICs. “China has always regarded the PICs as good friends, partners, and brothers,” Wang Yi said, noting that under the strategic guidance of their leaders, the comprehensive strategic partnership has reached a new level.
The foreign ministers of the Pacific Island Countries expressed their gratitude for China’s valuable support over the years. They reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle and looked forward to deepening cooperation in infrastructure, climate change, and green development. Together, they aim to promote the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road and build a peaceful, prosperous Pacific region.
“Our cooperation with China is based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding,” the PICs representatives emphasized. “It is our independent decision and serves our fundamental interests, contributing to regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.”
