China Willing to Help Pacific Island Countries to Prosper: Chinese FM

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that China is willing to help Pacific island nations to speed up development and revitalisation after wrapping up his tour of eight island countries.

Under the turbulent international situation coupled with the lingering COVID-19 pandemic and weak economic recovery, Pacific island countries are faced with more risks and challenges, Mr Wang said, adding that his visit was intended to enhance friendship, discuss co-operation, confront challenges, seek joint development, and create a future together with the island countries.

“This trip is a trip of peace, co-operation, and friendship,” he said.

Mr Wang said his tour covered all of the 10 Pacific island countries having diplomatic relations with China. He said he had, during the tour, held extensive, in-depth communication and exchanges with 17 leaders and more than 30 officials from the island countries.

For years, Pacific island countries are often been easily forgotten by the international community, or even marginalised, due to their weak national strength and voice, Mr Wang said, adding that China was also a developing country and thus could better understand the situation, needs and concerns of small and medium-sized countries.

Mr Wang expressed willingness to join hands with Pacific island countries to move forward with more solidarity, support each other with more determination, and conduct mutually beneficial co-operation with more pragmatism, so as to contribute to a closer community with a shared future between China and the island countries.