China always good friend of Pacific Island countries

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi presides over the second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting, on May 30, 2022. (Photo/Xinhua)

President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China will always be a good friend, brother and partner of Pacific Island countries, sharing common goals and standing together with them despite changes in the international landscape.

Xi made the remark in a written speech delivered to the second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Fiji.

Foreign ministers from Pacific Island nations that have established diplomatic relations with China participated both online and offline in the meeting, which was co-chaired by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi with Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.

The mechanism of the China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which was formally established in October, is a new and important platform for both sides to strengthen dialogue, enhance mutual trust and promote cooperation.

In his written address, Xi said that China and Pacific Island countries enjoy a time-honored friendship.

The comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Pacific Island countries, featuring mutual respect and common development, has made steady progress in recent years and yielded fruitful results, setting a good example for South-South cooperation and mutual benefit, he said.

According to the Foreign Ministry, total trade volume between China and Pacific Island countries that have diplomatic relations with China grew from $153 million to $5.3 billion from 1992 to 2021, registering an average annual increase of 13 percent and expanding over 30 times in 30 years.

Xi stressed that preserving peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and promoting common development is a shared aspiration of people in the region, as well as a common responsibility of regional countries.

China stands ready to work with Pacific Island countries to proceed with confidence, build consensus and pool strength in order to build a community with a shared future among China and Pacific Island countries, he said.

Xi's written speech was read out at the meeting by Wang, who is on a 10-day, eight-nation trip of the South Pacific.

During the meeting, Wang said that China will continue to listen to the voices of the Pacific Island countries and their people, and respect the existing cooperation mechanisms and arrangements.

China will support other countries who are willing to promote the development of Pacific Island countries in increasing investment and conducting tripartite or quadripartite cooperation, he said.

He also announced that China will establish new platforms for cooperation with Pacific Island countries in areas including an emergency supplies reserve, tackling climate change, poverty alleviation, agricultural cooperation, and disaster prevention and mitigation.

The second China-Pacific Island Countries' Agriculture Ministers' Meeting will be held within the year, Wang added.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Wang said that participants reached consensus on five aspects, including deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Pacific Island countries, seeking common development and advocating true multilateralism.

China will continue to provide assistance to Pacific Island countries with no political strings attached in order to help them improve their capacity for independent development, he said.

Wang said that as a responsible developing country and a major power, China always stands with developing countries, as well as small and medium-sized countries.

The common development of China and other developing countries will bring more fairness, harmony and stability to the world, he added.

Ruan Zongze, executive vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said, "Unlike some countries that conducted cooperation with Pacific Island countries from a commanding position, the way China cooperates with these countries makes them feel comfortable because it is based on mutual respect and always considers their urgent needs."

Ruan said that Xi's address pointed out the direction for enhanced cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries in the future.