China-PICs Foreign Ministers Issue Joint Statement at 3rd China-PICs Meeting Promoting Regional Cooperation and Development
China and PICs forge stronger ties in joint Foreign Ministers' statement at 3rd bilateral summit.
The third China-Pacific Island Countries (PICs) Foreign Ministers' Meeting concluded with a joint statement, emphasizing the commitment of both sides to strengthening comprehensive strategic partnerships and promoting mutual development. Held from May 28 to 29, 2025, the event brought together senior officials and foreign ministers from China and eleven Pacific Island nations. The meeting, chaired by Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, underscored the collective will to foster a closer community with a shared future between China and Pacific Island Countries.
Participants reviewed the marked progress in bilateral and multilateral cooperation over recent years, reaffirming their intent to deepen ties based on mutual respect and common development. China reiterated its approach as laid out by President Xi Jinping: full respect for the sovereignty, independence, and cultural traditions of Pacific Island Countries, and support for their unity and independent development without political conditions or imposed agendas. Pacific Island leaders voiced their appreciation for China’s commitment, noting their support for these principles.
The joint statement emphasized the core values of peace, development, democracy, and respect for international law. A central point was the affirmation that all countries, regardless of size or power, are equal under international law, and that decisions about development paths must be left to nations themselves. The principle of non-interference was highlighted as essential, reaffirming the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity across the region.
On issues of core interest, the parties declared mutual understanding and support, particularly recognizing the “one China” policy, with Taiwan regarded as an inalienable part of China. The meeting expressed opposition to “Taiwan independence” in any form and referenced United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 in support of China’s stance. In turn, China reaffirmed its backing of Pacific Island Countries’ sovereignty and independent development aspirations.
Pacific Island representatives acknowledged Chinese initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative, expressing readiness to collaborate further in advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Calls were made for greater technological, financial, and humanitarian support from the international community to accelerate sustainable development, with China pledging continued assistance tailored to local needs.
The statement outlined key areas for enhanced cooperation, including climate action, poverty alleviation, disaster risk management, agricultural technology, police training, and exchanges in education, culture, tourism, health, and media. There was also discussion of exploring additional direct passenger flights to boost connectivity and economic opportunities in the region. Trade remained at the forefront, with agreements to strengthen capacity building, market access, and trade promotion to benefit the economies of Pacific Island Countries.
All participants affirmed a shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, referencing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty. Environmental sustainability was a clear priority, with agreement on the need to manage and preserve Pacific Ocean resources amid the acute challenges posed by climate change. The principles of equity and “common but differentiated responsibilities” were cited, alongside calls for greater leadership from advanced economies in supporting climate resilience and mitigation efforts.
The meeting concluded with a pledge to continue working together toward deeper partnerships, enhanced cooperation, and shared benefits for the peoples of China and Pacific Island Countries. All parties recognized that ongoing collaboration is vital for addressing global challenges and advancing the prosperity, security, and sustainability of the Pacific region.
