Leaders from 11 Pacific Island countries joined Chinese officials in Xiamen this week for the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting – the first in-person gathering since 2021. The summit highlights growing economic and strategic ties, with bilateral trade surpassing $6.3 billion and expanding cooperation on climate resilience, healthcare, and disaster response.
Key developments include:
Emergency assistance coordination following Vanuatu's 2024 earthquake
Deployment of 120+ Chinese medical workers treating 280,000+ patients regionwide
New agricultural technology sharing programs for food security
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized 'win-win cooperation rooted in equality and mutual respect,' while Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka praised the partnership's 'practical results improving livelihoods.' Both sides announced plans to boost cultural exchanges and sustainable tourism initiatives.
The meeting underscores China's deepening engagement with Pacific nations through infrastructure development grants and climate adaptation projects. Observers note the collaboration aligns with broader Global South efforts to address shared challenges like rising sea levels and economic sovereignty.
