01/09/2026
Remarks by H.E. Qian Bo, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government for Pacific Island Countries Affairs at the Leaders Dialogue with Dialogue Partners of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders and Related Meetings
Though oceans apart, China and Pacific island countries are closely bonded in hearts and souls. We share the Austronesian ancestry originating from southeast China, uphold the shared values of peace, respect and inclusiveness, and pursue the common vision of independent national rejuvenation. China has always been a sincere friend and reliable partner for PICs on their path of development.
Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and leaders of PICs, new achievements have been made since the last dialogue meeting in building China-Pacific community with a shared future.
Steady progress has been registered in infrastructure cooperation. Ten key projects, including the National Referral Hospital Comprehensive Medical Centre in Solomon Islands, the National Convention Center in FSM, the Power Grid Project in PNG have been completed. A number of other projects are advancing smoothly, such as the Naoero Sports Center, the Vanua Levu Road Upgrade in Fiji, the South Tarawa Transport Network Upgrade in Kiribati and the Port Vila Road Upgrade in Vanuatu.
We have worked to help PICs bolster economic and trade resilience. China signed the Framework Agreement on Enhanced Economic Partnership with PNG, Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero, Tonga, Vanuatu, FSM and Solomon Islands. The agreements will further facilitate trade with China, and promote industrialization and agricultural modernization of PICs.
We stepped up support on fighting climate change. China pledged 2 million US dollars last year to support 100 community-centered projects in PICs, which are being rolled out across the region, such as the Tonga wind power project, Naoero solar power project, Vanuatu renewable energy-powered desalination project and PNG low-carbon demonstration zone.
More support has been given to PICs in delivering better healthcare and education service. China has deployed seven medical teams in PICs since last year. The Chinese hospital ship Ark Silk Road delivered medical services for over 16,000 patients in Fiji, Tonga, PNG and Naoero. More scholarship and training programs have been made available for PICs.
Seven China-PICs multilateral cooperation platforms have empowered PICs to better address climate change, counter natural disasters, accelerate agricultural development, reduce poverty and strengthen law-enforcement capacity.
Looking ahead, China will continue to follow the principle of “Four Full Respects”, further strengthen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, China’s 15th Five-year Plan and the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development, and increase investment and engagement in the region.
First, China will scale up support for PICs’ transition towards renewable energy. With its complete industrial chains, mature technologies and experience in delivering projects, China will help interested countries reduce dependence on single-source energy supply, advance energy infrastructure development and improve energy reserve capabilities.
Second, build a China-PICs Blue Partnership. We will strengthen cooperation in blue economy, marine ecological conservation and nearshore and offshore aquaculture, as well as emerging marine industries, including marine renewable energy and marine bio-medicine, with material, financial and talent support to enable PICs’ shift from “surviving on the sea” to “prospering from the sea”. This year, China will continue to provide USD 200,000 to the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
Third, expand trade and investment cooperation. China will open wider its super-sized domestic market, welcomes more export of PICs’ high quality products to China via platforms including the China International Import Expo, and support private-sector investment in PICs.
Fourth, China will firmly uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as its cornerstone, and the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone.
The adoption of UNGA Resolution 2758 in 1971 has affirmed that the participation of the Taiwan region in international organizations must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle, which is strictly followed by the UN system and other international and regional organizations. We appreciate the firm commitment by the vast majority of the PIF members to the one-China principle, which constitutes the political bedrock and fundamental prerequisite for closer cooperation between China and PIF.
As an ancient Chinese proverb goes, “A just cause finds many supporters, and we are all one family under the sun.” The beautiful blue Pacific is the shared home of China and PICs. China stands ready to work hand‑in‑hand with PICs to deliver greater benefits to peoples on both sides.
Thank you.
