Xi’s bilateral meetings with Pacific island countries
Editor’s note: President Xi Jinping on Friday met individually with leaders of the Pacific island countries that have established diplomatic ties with China. Here are highlights of the talks:
Micronesia
In a meeting with President of the Federated States of Micronesia Peter Christian, Xi said he appreciated Micronesia’s firm stance on the one-China policy.
The two sides should implement the recently signed Belt and Road cooperation agreements and promote cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure, Xi said.
China would like to continue with its support for Micronesia to deal with climate change under the framework of South-South cooperation, Xi added.
Micronesia attaches great importance to developing relations with China, Christian said, adding that he speaks highly of China’s equal treatment of all countries regardless of size.
Christian expressed gratitude for China’s help for his country, saying that Micronesia would like to enhance cooperation with China on trade and tourism.
Samoa
In his talks with Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Xi said the development of bilateral relations is facing new opportunities.
The two countries should uphold high political mutual trust, continue to support each other on issues related to each other’s core interests and major concerns and expand cooperation in all areas under the Belt and Road framework, Xi said.
The Samoan prime minister said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1975, Samoa has always firmly supported the one-China policy.
Samoa appreciates China’s support in the nation’s development in such areas as infrastructure, he said, adding that Samoa would like to push forward major projects with China under the Belt and Road framework.
Vanuatu
While meeting with Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, Xi said China will continue to support the country’s building and sustainable development.
China would like to encourage domestic companies to invest in Vanuatu and enhance cooperation in areas including trade, investment, infrastructure, transportation, education and health, Xi said.
Salwai said Vanuatu admires China’s achievements in development, and his country firmly supports the one-China policy.
Vanuatu would like to participate in building the Belt and Road with China, he said, adding that Vanuatu supports China’s stance on major global and regional issues. The Cook Islands
When meeting with Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, Xi said since China and the Cook Islands established diplomatic ties 21 years ago, the two countries have adhered to sincerity and friendliness, mutual respect and treatment as equals, which has contributed to mutual benefits and win-win results.
China is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Cook Islands in such areas as trade and economy, tourism, peopleto-people exchanges and regional cooperation through the opportunity of bilateral Belt and Road cooperation agreements and following the principle of extensive consultation, joint contributions and shared benefits, he said.
Puna said his country feels proud that its good relationship with China is based on mutual respect, noninterference in internal affairs and treating each other as equals.
The Cook Islands follows the one-China policy and thanks China for its support in the country’s infrastructure construction, he said.
The signing of an agreement on jointly building the Belt and Road between the Cook Islands and China will create broad prospects for bilateral cooperation, he added.
Tonga
When meeting with Prime Minister of Tonga Samiuela Akilisi Pohiva, Xi said China appreciates Tonga for firmly pursuing the oneChina policy and welcomes Tonga to actively participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road.
Xi said this year marks the 20th anniversary of China and Tonga establishing diplomatic ties, and fruitful results have been achieved in mutually beneficial cooperation.
China hopes the two countries will further tap the potential for cooperation, boosting cooperation in such areas as trade, investment and infrastructure, and expanding people-to-people and regional communications, he said.
Pohiva said Tonga speaks highly of China for always regarding the country as an equal partner and expressed thanks for China’s precious help, especially the visit of the Chinese naval hospital ship
in August. Peace Ark
He also offered congratulations on the success of the first China International Imports Expo, saying Tonga admires China’s foresight and vision for development.
Niue
When meeting with Niuean Premier Toke Tufukia Talagi, Xi said China welcomes Niue to actively participate in Belt and Road cooperation to better realize interconnectivity with countries outside the region.
He said China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Niue in such areas as climate change, South-South cooperation and ocean and environmental protection in order to promote green, low-carbon and sustainable development.
Talagi said his country adheres to the one-China policy and cherishes friendship and cooperation with China.
Niue speaks highly of China’s efforts in addressing climate change and thanks China for precious help in transportation and infrastructure, he said, adding that Niue is willing to deepen cooperation with China in all areas as well as coordination on international affairs.
Fiji
While meeting with Fijian Minister for Defense and National Security Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, who is also the representative of the Fijian government, Xi said that the development of China-Fiji relations have maintained good momentum and bring concrete benefits to their peoples.
China would like to work with Fiji to enhance political mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation and strengthen people’s friendship to promote bilateral ties in order to achieve new progress, Xi said.
Kubuabola said Fiji appreciates China’s help in economic development and the improvement of people’s livelihoods. Fiji hopes to deepen cooperation with China in various areas, he said.