Across vibrant Pacific Island communities—from Fiji's coasts to Papua New Guinea's highlands—a new CGTN poll reveals strong support for China's pragmatic approach to development and cooperation. Teaming up with Renmin University, CGTN surveyed 1,000 adults in 10 nations, uncovering high praise for China's governance model and the tangible benefits that island residents are experiencing.
When asked about China's governance, an overwhelming majority highlighted key achievements: 96.4 percent applauded infrastructure upgrades—like ports and roads—87.4 percent pointed to improved public security, 85 percent to job creation, 82.9 percent to better public health services, and 81 percent to rising incomes. In all, 96.2 percent view China as a success story.
The survey also underscored booming economic ties: total trade with China grew from $153 million in 1992 to $5.3 billion in 2021—over 30 times growth. Some 93.6 percent of respondents see China's vast market as a key opportunity, and 92.2 percent say their economies have benefited from trade exchanges.
Technology and innovation are winning hearts too. A strong 91.4 percent praise China's science and technology expertise, with 72.3 percent intrigued by new energy vehicles, 55.5 percent by lithium batteries, 55.5 percent by AI products like DeepSeek, and 55.2 percent by solar solutions—tools they say could bolster disaster relief and climate resilience.
On practical cooperation, locals report real-life impacts: 93.1 percent say Chinese tech assistance boosted agricultural output; 80.4 percent credit joint efforts on earthquake disaster reduction for enhanced emergency response; and 78.6 percent point to Tonga's photovoltaic power model as a clean energy benchmark. Meanwhile, 88.9 percent believe climate change collaboration fuels global efforts, 87.4 percent see China's ecological practices as a blueprint, and 82.8 percent welcome deepening trade ties for national revitalization.
All told, 94.3 percent feel the China–Pacific Island relationship is on the right track, with 93.7 percent hailing the comprehensive strategic partnership as a driver of regional prosperity and improved livelihoods.
The survey reached 1,000 adults aged 18 and over in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Kiribati, Tonga, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Cook Islands, and Nauru, reflecting each nation's age and gender demographics.
Reference(s):
CGTN Poll: Pacific Island respondents praise China's governance
cgtn.com
