Former Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai underscored the deepening partnership between China and the Pacific Island nation during his address at the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing. Salwai described the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, as a "timely and inclusive framework" for advancing cross-cultural understanding and sustainable development.
Strengthening Ties Through Shared Values
Salwai highlighted the role of party-to-party exchanges and people-to-people diplomacy in fostering governance collaboration, particularly for small island states like Vanuatu. "Our relationship with China is built on mutual respect and shared goals," he said, emphasizing the GCI’s potential to address global challenges through cultural preservation and equitable development models.
A Blueprint for Pacific Partnerships
The former PM noted that China’s engagement with Vanuatu has prioritized infrastructure, education, and climate resilience—key areas for Pacific Island nations facing rising sea levels and economic vulnerabilities. His remarks align with broader Chinese efforts to expand cooperation with Pacific countries under initiatives like the GCI and Belt and Road framework.
Analysts suggest such dialogues signal China’s growing soft-power influence in the region, blending cultural diplomacy with development aid to strengthen geopolitical ties.
