China-PICs FMs Issue Joint Statement at 3rd China-PICs Foreign Ministers' Meeting Highlighting Regional Cooperation and Development

The third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting drew to a close on Wednesday, culminating in a comprehensive joint statement that reaffirmed the deepening ties and shared aspirations between China and several Pacific Island nations. The high-level gathering, held from May 28 to 29, 2025, witnessed the participation of top diplomats and government officials from countries across the Pacific, marking another step forward in the evolving partnership with the People's Republic of China.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the significant progress achieved in bilateral relations in recent years and reiterated their mutual dedication to strengthening a comprehensive strategic partnership. The statement highlighted a commitment to mutual respect, common development, and the vision of building “an even closer China-Pacific Island Countries community with a shared future.”

China’s longstanding policy of engagement in the region was underscored, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi reiterating principles such as respect for sovereignty and independence, non-interference, and assistance without political strings attached. Pacific Island leaders expressed appreciation for China's approach, affirming their support for an open and inclusive pathway toward development and cooperation.

The joint statement emphasized the importance of upholding humanity’s core values—including peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom—while stressing that all countries, regardless of size or wealth, should be treated as equals in the international arena. All parties reaffirmed the need to respect territorial integrity and the sovereign choices of nations, and to observe the principle of non-interference in each other's domestic affairs.

One of the most prominent points in the statement addressed the Taiwan issue. All parties recognized the “one China” principle, stating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory and supporting China’s position on national reunification. The authority of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 was emphasized, along with China’s firm backing of Pacific Island Countries’ sovereignty and independence.

Pacific Island representatives also acknowledged important global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Both sides voiced their intention to work together for the advancement of these initiatives and encouraged greater participation in the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative to further the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The statement called upon the broader international community to provide enhanced technological, financial, and humanitarian support to Pacific Island Countries.

Cooperation under the Belt and Road framework received renewed support, with all parties agreeing to synchronize these efforts with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Areas prioritized for collaboration include emergency supply reserves, climate action, poverty alleviation, disaster preparedness, agricultural advancements, and police training. Furthermore, both sides committed to strengthening exchanges in education, culture, tourism, health, media, and to exploring additional direct flights to improve connectivity.

Trade was recognized as a major catalyst for economic growth. The statement outlined commitments to bolster trade cooperation by enhancing capacity building, promoting market access for Pacific products in China, and driving overall economic partnership. There was also a collective pledge to contribute positively to the peace, stability, and development of the Pacific region, while maintaining adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty.

Climate change and marine conservation were central topics, as the parties recognized both the vital importance of the Pacific Ocean’s resources and the vulnerabilities faced by island nations due to environmental threats. Reaffirming the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities, the meeting called for advanced economies to take the lead on climate change mitigation. China pledged assistance through South-South cooperation mechanisms, aiming to help Pacific Island Countries build resilience and sustainably manage their natural resources.

The joint statement concluded with a sense of unity and resolve, as China and the Pacific Island Countries look to the future, determined to further deepen their partnership and address shared challenges in pursuit of lasting regional prosperity and peace.