Between May 28 and 29, Xiamen’s coastal breeze set the scene for the “China-PICs Partnership for Prosperity” roundtable in Fujian Province. Hosted alongside the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, delegates from Niue, the Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji came together to shape a collaborative future.
Niue’s prime minister and foreign minister, Dalton Tagelagi, celebrated a 50-year friendship built on mutual respect. “Our relationship with China has grown stronger with each passing decade,” he noted, reaffirming Niue’s support for the one-China principle.
From the Federated States of Micronesia, Foreign Secretary Lorin Robert called their comprehensive strategic partnership “mature” and outlined five focus areas: respecting sovereignty, driving sustainable development and climate action, boosting people-to-people exchanges, expanding trade, and maintaining open diplomatic dialogue.
Vanuatu’s Foreign Minister Marc Ati praised the vision of a shared future, urging new infrastructure, health, agricultural, and trade initiatives to reinforce resilience against climate challenges.
Papua New Guinea’s foreign minister, Justin Tkatchenko, highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative as a model for growth, pointing to Juncao cultivation—a Chinese agricultural innovation—as a success that opened regional markets. He also celebrated the China-Papua New Guinea Friendship School, which trains over 3,000 students yearly.
Fiji’s assistant foreign minister, Lenora Qereqeretabua, summed up the spirit of the meeting: “China understands our culture and values, and we feel heard and respected.”
From poverty alleviation and education to climate resilience and economic diversification, discussions were rich with actionable ideas. As the roundtable concluded, all parties expressed optimism and a shared commitment to turn collaboration into real-world impact across the Pacific.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
