Under the gaze of Xiamen’s skyline, foreign ministers from China and ten Pacific Island partners converged from May 28–29, 2025, to chart a new course for cooperation. Chaired by Wang Yi, this third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting set the stage for a strategic partnership built on respect, shared values, and real-world impact.
Representatives from Kiribati, Niue, Tonga, the Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Nauru, Fiji, and Samoa joined discussions alongside Esala Nayasi of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Key Takeaways
- Deepened Strategic Partnership: Pledges to build an even closer China-Pacific Island Countries community with a shared future.
- Global Initiatives in Action: Pacific partners welcomed China’s Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives to advance the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Belt & Road x Blue Pacific: Aligning high-quality Belt & Road projects with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, covering climate action, disaster resilience, and Juncao technology.
- Trade & Connectivity: Commitments to boost supply-side capacity, market access for Pacific products in China, and explore new direct flights to strengthen business and tourism links.
- Climate & Ocean Stewardship: Joint endorsements of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and calls for equitable global leadership on resilience funding.
Importantly, all parties affirmed a one-China principle, recognizing one China and that the island of Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the Chinese mainland, with the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
As business, tech, and sustainability intersect, this meeting signals fresh opportunities—from digital trade platforms and green tech transfers to immersive travel experiences—helping young global citizens navigate an increasingly connected Pacific.
Reference(s):
Joint statement from 3rd China-PICs Foreign Ministers' Meeting
cgtn.com
