In a landmark first, officials from China and 11 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) gathered in Xiamen on May 27–28 for the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting—marking the inaugural in-person session on the Chinese mainland.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired the discussions alongside PIC counterparts, exploring a broad agenda from trade and investment to climate resilience and digital connectivity. Data from China's General Administration of Customs shows bilateral trade reached $6.3 billion in the first months of 2024, highlighting the fast-paced growth of this partnership.
According to Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, "The in-depth exchange will cover all aspects of our interactions and cooperation, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest."
Since establishing ties with 11 PICs, including Nauru's resumption in January 2024, China and its island partners have expanded cooperation in sectors like fisheries, tourism and renewable energy. This summit in Xiamen is seen as a springboard for new initiatives in digital infrastructure—an area ripe for startups and tech collaborations across the G20 and beyond.
For entrepreneurs and young professionals, the meeting signals fresh opportunities: from e-commerce platforms connecting island artisans with global markets, to sustainable tourism projects welcoming digital nomads seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Climate-focused NGOs and activists will also watch for commitments on green financing and disaster resilience, as rising sea levels remain an existential challenge for many PICs.
For sports and culture fans, the summit's people-to-people track promises expanded cultural exchanges, including potential esports tournaments and youth music festivals. Travelers can look forward to new flight routes and visa facilitation measures that make exploring Pacific atolls more accessible and eco-friendly.
As the world watches, this in-person gathering in Xiamen exemplifies the power of multilateral dialogue, blending pragmatic trade relations with shared goals on sustainability, digital transformation and inclusive growth. With $6.3 billion in trade on the table, the China-PICs partnership is charting a course toward deeper ties—and a blueprint for cross-regional cooperation in a rapidly changing global landscape.
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Graphics: China, Pacific Island nations to boost all-round cooperation
cgtn.com
