In late May, China and 10 Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) convened in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, for the third China-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting—the first to be held in person on the Chinese mainland.
During the talks, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and Pacific counterparts, including Kiribati’s President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau, forged a five-point consensus designed to deepen ties across trade, development and culture.
First, partners pledged to treat each other as equals. China reaffirmed its 'Four Principles of Full Respect,' emphasizing that every nation—big or small—deserves equal treatment. In return, PICs reaffirmed their support for the one-China principle.
Second, both sides will champion common development. By aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative with the Blue Pacific 2050 Strategy, they aim to unlock fresh opportunities in infrastructure, trade, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and civil aviation—and ease access for island exports to China’s vast market.
Third, the meeting underscored fairness and justice. As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, delegates committed to upholding multilateralism, safeguarding the WTO-led trading system and defending the rights of developing nations.
Fourth, openness and inclusiveness topped the agenda. Leaders agreed the Pacific Ocean is a bridge for win-win collaboration—and that climate action, economic growth and social stability should guide partnerships in the region.
Fifth, the focus turned to mutual learning. By weaving together millennia-old Chinese civilization and the Pacific’s rich maritime heritage, both sides plan to boost exchanges in education, culture, media, think tanks, youth, women’s programs, sports and local governance under the Global Civilization Initiative.
With this five-pronged roadmap, China and PICs aim to write a new chapter in South-South cooperation—one that balances economic growth, environmental stewardship and cultural solidarity across the Pacific.
Reference(s):
Wang Yi introduces consensus reached at 3rd China-PICs FMs' meeting
cgtn.com
