Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Cook Islands Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation during high-level talks in Xiamen, emphasizing climate resilience and sustainable marine development as key priorities.
Shared Vision for Global South
Wang highlighted China's commitment to supporting the Cook Islands' sovereignty and development path during Wednesday's meeting, stating: "Our relations represent mutual assistance between Global South countries." The discussions occurred ahead of the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
Practical Collaboration Blueprint
Key focus areas include:
Joint marine resource development and protection programs
Technical cooperation for climate change adaptation
Infrastructure projects to boost economic growth
Wang emphasized China's readiness to "uphold common but differentiated responsibilities" in climate governance.
Island Nation Priorities
Elikana acknowledged China's developmental support, reaffirming the Cook Islands' adherence to the one-China principle. "We see China as a crucial partner in achieving sustainable development goals," the minister stated, expressing optimism about expanded Pacific-wide cooperation through the regional forum.
