China and ten Pacific Island nations have reaffirmed their deepening diplomatic and strategic ties, reiterating support for the one-China principle, and committing to further cooperation across a range of development, security, and climate issues during the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Xiamen this week.
The high-level meeting brought together foreign ministers and representatives from Kiribati, Niue, Tonga, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Nauru, Fiji, and Samoa — all of which maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.
The meeting was chaired by Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister and Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
“All parties had an in-depth exchange of views and reached broad consensus on China-Pacific Island Countries relations and issues of common interest,” according to the joint statement released at the conclusion of the meeting.
The parties collectively praised the progress made in recent years, stating that they “reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership that features mutual respect and common development, and to building an even closer China-Pacific Island Countries community with a shared future.”
China reiterated its regional foreign policy, anchored on President Xi Jinping’s four principles for engagement with Pacific nations.
“Fully respecting the sovereignty and independence of Pacific Island Countries, fully respecting the will of Pacific Island Countries, fully respecting the ethnic and cultural traditions of Pacific Island Countries, and fully respecting Pacific Island Countries’ efforts to seek strength through unity.”
Beijing also highlighted that its support comes without political demands.
“There is no political strings attached to China’s assistance, no imposing one’s will onto others, and no empty promises.” It further urged all nations to “uphold Pacific Island Countries’ autonomy in making decisions, putting development first, and staying open and inclusive when developing relations with Pacific Island Countries.”
The statement noted that “Pacific Island Countries all support and welcome this.”
A core message of the joint statement was the clear support of the Pacific Island nations for China’s position on Taiwan.
“All parties recognise that there is but one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China,” the statement read.
“China firmly opposes ‘Taiwan independence’ in all forms and commits to realising national reunification, which has gained wide understanding and support at the meeting.” the document emphasised.
Additionally, “All parties stressed the authority of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758,” reaffirming international consensus on the matter.
China in return expressed firm support for Pacific Island Countries “in upholding their sovereignty and independence,” a key concern for many smaller nations in the region historically affected by colonialism and external interference.
The countries collectively emphasised shared values, stating, “All parties agreed on the importance of upholding humanity’s common values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, freedom, and respect for international law.”
The joint statement highlighted the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations and affirmed the principle that countries, “regardless of size, strength, and wealth, are all equal.”
The importance of “non-interference in each other’s internal affairs” was also underlined.
This message of sovereignty, equality, and non-alignment echoed through multiple parts of the communiqué, positioning China and Pacific nations as partners with mutual interests in preserving independence in foreign policy and resisting external pressure.
On development issues, all parties voiced strong support for China’s international initiatives.
“Pacific Island Countries acknowledge the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.”
China called for more nations to join the “Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative” and pledged that it “will continue to support and assist Pacific Island Countries as it can in economic development and livelihood improvement.”
In particular, China and the Pacific Island nations committed to aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, a regional plan that outlines Pacific priorities around sustainable development and resilience.
The joint statement identified specific areas for continued cooperation, including “reserves of emergency supplies, climate action, poverty alleviation and development, disaster prevention and mitigation, Juncao technology, agriculture, and police training.”
Cultural, educational, health, and media exchanges were also identified as growth areas, with the countries agreeing to “explore the economic viability of additional direct flights to Pacific Island Countries.”
Trade was another pillar of cooperation.
“All parties recognise the important role of trade in economic development of Pacific Island Countries and commit to further strengthening and enhancing their trade cooperation through supply side capacity building, trade promotion, and market access of Pacific Island Countries’ products into China.”
Climate change, a critical issue for Pacific Island nations, featured prominently in the statement.
The parties acknowledged the vulnerability of Pacific nations to climate-related challenges and the importance of ocean conservation.
“All parties believe that the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities should be upheld, and agreed to jointly promote the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement.”
The statement called on “advanced economies to provide leadership on climate change mitigation and resilience initiatives at the international level,” and pledged China’s support “within the framework of South-South cooperation.”
The statement also included a strong declaration emphasising peace and security in the region.
“All parties are ready to work together to make positive contributions to the peace, development and stability of the Pacific region.”
In a joint stand on nuclear disarmament, the group confirmed its support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty — longstanding concerns for island nations wary of past nuclear testing in the region.
The third ministerial meeting highlighted China’s growing presence and influence in the Pacific, while signaling a willingness among Pacific nations to work with China on their own terms.
Through alignment on sovereignty, development, climate, and trade, the countries appear committed to a regional agenda that prioritises self-determination, sustainable development, and multipolar diplomacy.
As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Indo-Pacific, the outcomes of this meeting suggest that China and Pacific Island nations are intent on shaping their own strategic narrative—independent of the major power rivalries around them.
