CGTN Poll Reveals Pacific Islanders' Praise for China's Governance and Diplomatic Initiatives
Survey shows strong support among Pacific Island nations for China's modernization efforts during third China-Pacific Foreign Ministers' Meeting
As the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting convened, a recent survey of 1,000 respondents across ten key Pacific Island nations indicated strong approval for China's approach to modernization and its progress in national development. Respondents highlighted the evident outcomes of cooperation with China, emphasizing that deepening these ties is injecting new momentum into the evolving community between China and the Pacific Island nations.
Overwhelming support for China's governance was evident in several domains. Survey participants rated China's ability to improve infrastructure exceptionally high at 96.4 percent. Public security enhancements received an 87.4 percent approval, while job creation, healthcare improvements, and income growth saw positive ratings of 85 percent, 82.9 percent, and 81 percent, respectively. Notably, an impressive 96.2 percent of those surveyed regarded China as a "successful country."
Economic collaboration has seen notable growth over the years. From 1992 to 2021, the annual trade volume between China and its diplomatic Pacific Island partners soared from $153 million to $5.3 billion. According to the poll, 93.6 percent viewed China's vast market as an opportunity for their own economic development, while 92.2 percent believed their countries have tangibly benefited from commercial exchanges with Beijing.
Technology and innovation constituted another area of high recognition. An overwhelming 91.4 percent praised China's scientific and technological capabilities. There was widespread interest in specific Chinese advances: new energy vehicles (72.3 percent), lithium batteries (55.5 percent), artificial intelligence products such as DeepSeek (55.5 percent), and solar technologies (55.2 percent). These interests reflect the Pacific Island region's acute needs in climate adaptation and disaster response.
The survey also underscores how practical cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries is improving daily life and sustaining economic growth. Extensive partnerships now span agriculture, climate change mitigation, poverty reduction, and emergency relief. A remarkable 93.1 percent felt that Chinese technology assistance had boosted agricultural productivity, while 80.4 percent cited significant gains in earthquake disaster preparedness thanks to bilateral projects. In Tonga, 78.6 percent said that China's photovoltaic power initiatives set a benchmark for clean energy and sustainable development.
Climate change cooperation was also spotlighted, with 88.9 percent acknowledging that joint efforts have contributed to the global fight against environmental challenges. Furthermore, 87.4 percent believed the Chinese model of ecological restoration offers valuable lessons for Pacific Island states, and 82.8 percent noted that sustained trade relations contribute critically to national revitalization.
China-Pacific Island Country cooperation is increasingly seen as a model of South-South engagement and reciprocal advancement. Nearly all respondents—94.3 percent—felt relations were on a strong upward trajectory, while 93.7 percent agreed that their comprehensive strategic partnership with China has fostered prosperity and raised standards of living throughout the region.
The survey reached a diverse group of participants aged 18 and above via telephone interviews, ensuring age and gender representation reflective of each country's census data. The feedback provides a vivid snapshot of growing approval for China's role as both a development partner and regional stakeholder among the Pacific Island nations.
