China-PICs Summit on Rural Revitalization Promotes Regional Development in East China

The China (Shandong)-Pacific Island Countries (PICs) roundtable on rural revitalization cooperation and exchange, which also marked the third anniversary of the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Action Cooperation Center, convened on Wednesday in Liaocheng City, located in east China's Shandong Province. The event brought together over 120 participants, including government officials, leading experts, scholars, and business representatives from China and nine Pacific Island countries.

During the roundtable, participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering deeper friendship and exchanges between the Pacific Island countries and China. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding collaborative efforts with Liaocheng City and the broader Shandong Province. Discussions addressed strategies to enhance practical cooperation in diverse fields such as rural development, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

Attendees explored opportunities for creating new cooperative frameworks with the aim of promoting sustainable development across the region. Representatives highlighted successful collaboration initiatives over the past three years, especially in climate action and rural revitalization. They noted that continued knowledge sharing and joint projects would be essential to addressing common challenges, such as climate change, food security, and economic resilience.

The roundtable also saw the official launch of the China-Pacific Island Countries International Friendship Cities Association, designed to facilitate stronger city-to-city exchanges and foster grassroots-level partnerships. Organizers expressed hope that this new platform would further solidify meaningful connections and deliver tangible benefits for communities both in China and across the Pacific Islands.

As proceedings concluded, delegates reiterated their shared vision for a more prosperous, interconnected, and sustainable future. Many expressed optimism that ongoing dialogue and cooperation will yield innovative solutions to pressing issues and set a model for international collaboration in rural revitalization and climate action.