Wang Yi Advocates for Strengthening China–PICs Community with a Shared Future

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday called for strengthened efforts to build a community of shared future between China and Pacific Island Countries (PICs) at the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held in Xiamen, Fujian Province. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chaired the high-level meeting alongside Kiribati's President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau.

During the session, Wang outlined a comprehensive six-point proposal aimed at fostering closer ties and cooperation among China and the Pacific island nations. His suggestions focused on mutual respect, development cooperation, people-centered governance, promoting exchange and mutual learning, safeguarding equity and justice, as well as maintaining solidarity during challenging times. Wang underscored China's commitment to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, pledging to support PICs in upholding their sovereignty, security, and developmental priorities.

Reiterating China’s readiness to collaborate extensively, Wang voiced support for the implementation of the Global Development Initiative and for further deepening the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He urged accelerated negotiations on bilateral free trade agreements, and emphasized expanded partnerships in agricultural and fishery technologies, as well as tourism. Wang also promised to enhance the sharing of experience in poverty alleviation and grassroots governance, vowing that China will initiate 200 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects this year and dispatch seven groups of medical staff—including more practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine—to Pacific Island Countries.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of China’s diplomatic relations with Pacific Island Countries. Wang highlighted the enduring friendship and partnership that has evolved over decades, noting that, under the strategic guidance of their leaders, the comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a new phase marked by increased vitality and fruitful results. These achievements, he said, have not only benefited the peoples of the PICs, but have also contributed positively to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

In response, the foreign ministers from Pacific Island Countries expressed deep gratitude to China for its longstanding support, emphasizing that their collaboration is rooted in mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual understanding, and sovereign equality. They affirmed that these cooperative efforts are independent choices made in alignment with their fundamental interests and aspirations for development. The ministers reiterated strong support for the one-China principle and voiced their eagerness to deepen cooperation with China on infrastructure, climate change, and green development, while advancing the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Both sides agreed on the importance of working closely together to build a peaceful and prosperous Pacific region, underlining the spirit of partnership and shared vision that has come to characterize China-PICs relations.