Politicians from Pacific Islands hail China's role

Political leaders from Pacific Island countries on Wednesday expressed optimism in efforts to promote Chinese modernization and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which they believe will bring huge development opportunities for the two sides.

They made the remarks at the third China-Pacific Island Countries Political Leadership Dialogue, which was hosted by the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee in Beijing.

Rainbo Paita, Papua New Guinea's minister for finance and planning, said Pacific Island countries have extensive maritime resources and they value China's role in investing and providing technical assistance to the region in order to promote the blue economy.

"If we could have the technology to process our maritime resources, we would be able to access the Chinese market, which will be a great help for both China and us," he said.

"The PNG would like to be an equal trade partner for China in the future, rather than someone asking for aid."

Lynda Tabuya, Fiji's minister for women, children and poverty alleviation, said she appreciates the importance China attaches to the Pacific Islands as a whole and its willingness to engage with the region as an equal partner.

The dialogue was convened to facilitate mutual understanding throughout the sharing of best practices and exchange of ideas, she said, adding that she hopes it will help the countries in jointly addressing common challenges.

Gracia Shadrack, first deputy speaker of the Parliament of Vanuatu, said Pacific Island countries value the assistance China has provided in promoting socioeconomic development.

People-to-people exchanges have also helped foster understanding between China and the region. "We look forward to working closely with China to strengthen our party-to-party relations and parliamentary exchanges and cooperation," he said.

Bradley Tovosia, minister of mines, energy, and rural electrification for the Solomon Islands, said he was impressed by the people-oriented approach China has taken in promoting modernization, saying that China's goal is to make a better life for its people.

He added that Pacific Island countries hope to learn from the Chinese philosophy and wisdom to promote regional prosperity through bilateral exchanges and communication.

From 1992 to 2022, the total trade volume between China and Pacific Island countries having diplomatic relations with China grew from $153 million to $6.6 billion, expanding by over 40 times in 30 years.

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said China will deepen cooperation with Pacific Island countries in infrastructure, fisheries, energy and minerals, information and communications, and expand the import of agricultural products from the Pacific Islands.