Wang Yi Advocates for Strengthening China-PICs Community with Shared Future to Promote Regional Cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for intensified efforts to build a China-Pacific Island Countries (PICs) community with a shared future during the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held in Xiamen, Fujian Province, on May 28, 2025. Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, co-chaired the talks alongside Kiribati's President and Foreign Minister, Taneti Maamau.

Emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, Wang presented a six-point proposal for deepening ties. These priorities include upholding mutual respect, prioritizing development cooperation, maintaining people-centered governance, promoting exchange and mutual learning, safeguarding equity and justice, and maintaining solidarity in challenging times. “China will firmly uphold the basic principle of non-interference in others' internal affairs and support the PICs in safeguarding their sovereignty, security and development interests,” Wang asserted.

Wang highlighted China's readiness to work closely with Pacific Island countries to implement initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative and deepen high-quality Belt and Road collaboration. He urged a push towards accelerated negotiations of bilateral free trade agreements, strengthened agricultural and fishery technology partnerships, and expanded tourism cooperation, aiming to open new avenues for economic and social growth.

In a move to foster people-to-people ties, Wang outlined plans for increased cooperation in poverty alleviation and grassroots governance. He pledged the implementation of 200 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects this year, as well as the deployment of seven groups of 56 medical professionals—including traditional Chinese medicine practitioners—to the region, underlining China’s commitment to enhancing public welfare in the PICs.

This year marks the 50th anniversary since the beginning of diplomatic relations between China and Pacific Island countries. Wang noted that these five decades have seen both sides regarding each other as “good friends, partners, and brothers.” Under the strategic guidance of their leaders, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the PICs has reportedly achieved new vitality and significant progress.

According to Wang, cooperation between China and the Pacific Island countries has brought tangible benefits to local communities and contributed to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He reaffirmed China’s belief that peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit remain the only correct choices amid “profound changes in the world, our times, and the trajectory of history.”

Foreign ministers from the Pacific Island Countries expressed their appreciation to China for its longstanding support. They stressed that their cooperation with China is built on mutual respect, trust, understanding, and sovereign equality, characterizing it as an independent decision that aligns with their own fundamental interests and supports regional peace and development.

The leaders unanimously reiterated their adherence to the one-China principle and expressed anticipation for deepened collaboration in infrastructure, climate change response, and green development. Looking ahead, they voiced commitment to promoting the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and working together to build a peaceful and prosperous Pacific region.