FM Wang Yi Meets Vanuatu's Foreign Minister to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a high-level meeting with Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Marc Ati on Thursday in the coastal city of Xiamen, marking a new chapter in the burgeoning relationship between China and the Pacific Island nation. This meeting coincided with the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting, underscoring China's continued diplomatic focus on strengthening ties throughout the Pacific region.

During the talks, Wang Yi, who also serves as a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, hailed the robust progress achieved under the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Vanuatu. He noted that collaborative efforts across fields such as trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges have produced "tangible results" and set a powerful example of mutual respect and solidarity among developing nations.

Wang commended Vanuatu's new government for maintaining a friendly policy towards China since assuming office in February. He emphasized that this approach not only aligns with Vanuatu’s national interests but also enjoys widespread support from across the country’s political spectrum. The Chinese foreign minister described current bilateral relations as being at their "historical best," urging both sides to seize the opportunity by intensifying high-level exchanges and expanding practical areas of cooperation.

Highlighting economic opportunities, Wang welcomed the prospect of increased Vanuatu exports of high-quality products to China, and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Vanuatu. He further expressed hopes that negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement could begin in the near future, which could open doors for even closer economic cooperation and regional integration.

Addressing broader geopolitical themes, Wang Yi remarked that all Pacific Island countries are sovereign states entitled to independently choose their development pathways and international partners, insisting, "They are no one's backyard." He stressed that the South Pacific should serve as a hub for constructive international cooperation, rather than as an arena for power rivalries. Wang reiterated China’s support for Vanuatu’s independence and autonomy, pledging Beijing’s backing in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, security, and developmental interests.

Foreign Minister Marc Ati responded by describing China as a fundamental development partner for Vanuatu. He voiced appreciation for China’s ongoing assistance, citing improvements in local livelihoods and increased resilience as direct outcomes of Beijing’s support. Reaffirming Vanuatu’s commitment to the one-China policy, Ati declared his country's readiness to deepen alignment with China on development strategies, expedite free trade negotiations, and broaden collaboration in vital sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and policing.

Both leaders concluded the meeting with a shared vision of elevating the comprehensive strategic partnership to unprecedented levels, expressing optimism for a more prosperous, mutually beneficial future as China and Vanuatu work closely to address regional challenges and seize new opportunities together.