The Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting concluded successfully

All parties also engaged in in-depth exchanges of views on issues of mutual concern, ultimately reaching three major cooperation directions, which were outlined in the Joint Statement of the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. First, China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Pacific Island Countries in areas such as climate change response and marine ecological protection. Second, it will promote the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Blue Pacific 2050 Strategy, jointly planning projects including maritime corridors and port construction. Third, by drawing on China’s successful experiences in green energy, agricultural technology, and other fields, it will assist the island countries in achieving economic transformation.

Additionally, the meeting adopted the List of Measures to Implement the Consensus Reached at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, outlining 12 specific cooperation plans to be implemented over the next three years, covering livelihood areas such as education, healthcare, and disaster early warning. During the Xiamen meeting, Wang Yi specifically mentioned that Fujian Province has a long-standing maritime connection with Pacific Island Countries, and that both sides could deepen cooperation in areas such as fisheries resource management and marine scientific research collaboration in the future.

Representatives from Pacific Island Countries attending the meeting expressed high appreciation for the outcomes. Kiribati President Taneti Maamau stated after the meeting, “China has always been a reliable partner for Pacific Island Countries. This cooperation not only helps enhance the international influence of the island countries but also injects new impetus into regional stability.” Deputy Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Filimon Manoni (commonly referred to as Nayasi in some contexts, but here using the full name for clarity), also pointed out in his remarks, “This meeting not only deepened bilateral relations between China and Pacific Island Countries but also injected new vitality into regional multilateral cooperation mechanisms.”

However, despite the fruitful outcomes of the meeting, some representatives from Pacific Island Countries also expressed concerns about the sustainability of the cooperation. Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko noted, “Island countries still require China’s support in terms of funding and technology, but cooperation should avoid excessive reliance on a single country or region. A diversified cooperation model needs to be established.” In response, the Chinese side stated that it would provide long-term and stable financial support to the island countries through mechanisms such as the “South-South Cooperation Fund” and encourage private enterprises to participate in cooperation projects. For example, China has already pledged to provide $1 billion in climate financing to Pacific Island Countries between 2025 and 2027 to support renewable energy projects and the construction of disaster early warning systems. 

The meeting presents opportunities for Europe to diversify its markets. European enterprises can access emerging markets through the cooperation platform between China and Pacific Island Countries, thereby diversifying trade risks. Pacific Island Countries possess resource advantages in areas such as fisheries, minerals, and renewable energy, where European enterprises can engage in supply chain cooperation. Meanwhile, Europe holds advantages in renewable energy, climate technology, and other fields, enabling it to collaborate with China and Pacific Island Countries in developing green projects.

Secondly, the meeting offers opportunities for Europe in trade rule-making. China and Pacific Island Countries jointly promoting trade facilitation can lower entry barriers for European enterprises. By participating in multilateral cooperation, Europe can advocate for the establishment of fair international trade rules and mitigate the influence of unilateralism.

However, the meeting may not exclusively bring benefits to Europe. On one hand, given the relatively small economies and limited market sizes of Pacific Island Countries, European enterprises need to assess the long-term return on investment. The relatively underdeveloped infrastructure in these island countries may increase operational costs for European enterprises seeking to strengthen cooperation. On the other hand, as Chinese investments in Pacific Island Countries increase, European enterprises’ market shares may be squeezed. Additionally, internal skepticism about free trade within Europe could also affect its cooperation with Pacific Island Countries.

The successful convening of the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting marks a new stage in cooperation between the two sides under the concept of a community with a shared future. This meeting not only injected new impetus into bilateral relations but also provided a Chinese approach for global South-South cooperation, jointly envisioning a closer and more inclusive future. As Wang Yi stated in his closing remarks, “China is willing to work together with Pacific Island Countries with an open and inclusive mindset to jointly address global challenges and contribute wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for mankind.”

By Yuli Zhang