Chinese Foreign Minister Emphasizes Importance of Upholding Multilateralism in Strengthening Ties with Solomon Islands

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Solomon Islands counterpart, Peter Shanel Agovaka, on Wednesday in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting, as both sides reaffirmed a shared commitment to upholding multilateralism and expanding cooperation.

Reflecting on the progress made since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Solomon Islands five years ago, Wang Yi highlighted the rapid development across various sectors, including strengthened political trust and a broadening scope of collaboration. He emphasized that the diplomatic relationship has proven to be a strategic and timely move aligning with the core interests of both nations.

Wang reiterated China’s readiness to collaborate further with the Solomon Islands in defending multilateralism, promoting the fundamental norms guiding international relations, and supporting global fairness and justice. He also praised the Solomon Islands for its steadfast support of the one-China principle, pledging continued Chinese assistance for the island country's economic and social advancement.

Calls to bolster commercial and cultural exchanges were underscored, with Wang expressing an eagerness to achieve more tangible results that directly benefit the citizens of the Solomon Islands. “We are willing to strengthen trade and people-to-people ties for mutual prosperity,” Wang stated during the discussions.

Minister Agovaka, for his part, reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ strong alignment with China, vowing to uphold the one-China principle while firmly rejecting what he termed as U.S. unilateralism and protectionist practices. He voiced optimism for enhanced cooperation in key sectors such as education, law enforcement, healthcare, and heritage protection, seeing these as vital avenues for sustainable development within the Solomon Islands.

The meeting in Xiamen highlighted the growing importance of Pacific partnerships in China’s foreign policy outlook and echoed the broader regional call for capacity-building and equitable international engagement. As both nations look ahead, the focus remains on translating diplomatic goodwill into concrete initiatives that address the evolving needs of their peoples.