China and Micronesia Commit to Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on Thursday in Xiamen, southeast China. The two sides declared their shared commitment to deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership during talks held on the margins of the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Robert’s presence in China reflects the increasing engagement between Pacific Island countries and China, at a time when regional cooperation is seen as vital for sustainable development and political stability. The recent high-level meeting concluded with a joint statement, which Wang described as injecting fresh momentum into the ongoing collaboration between China and its Pacific partners.

Wang emphasized the steady progress in relations between China and FSM since diplomatic ties were established, underlining the tangible benefits this partnership has brought to the people of Micronesia. He commended the FSM Congress for adopting a resolution supporting the “one-China” principle, expressing confidence that FSM will maintain its strong support for China’s position regarding Taiwan.

A significant milestone in bilateral relations was highlighted by the recent handover of the China-assisted FSM National Convention Center, which Wang said marks a new chapter in the friendship between the two nations. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to work with FSM in advancing Belt and Road cooperation, particularly in critical areas such as infrastructure development, climate change adaptation, and marine scientific research.

Looking ahead, Wang proposed the expansion of cooperation into education, youth exchanges, and local governance, stressing the importance of deepening people-to-people exchanges to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Robert congratulated China on hosting the successful Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting, describing it as a continuation of the fruitful and respectful cooperation that has characterized China-FSM relations. He pointed to the National Convention Center as a powerful symbol of the evolving partnership and expressed gratitude for China’s vital support for development in Micronesia.

Reaffirming his government’s firm commitment to the “one-China” policy, Robert stated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and lauded China not only as a close development partner but also as a global leader advocating for sustainable growth and fairness among developing nations.

“The FSM is committed to further strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China,” Robert declared, signaling a clear intent from both sides to take bilateral relations to even greater heights in the years ahead.