CHINA has reaffirmed its support for Pacific regional cooperation, contributing $USD1.08 million ($FJD2.4 million) to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) for priorities under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The funding was presented this week by China’s Chargé d’Affaires, Wang Yuan, to the Acting Secretary-General, Esala Nayasi, at the Forum Secretariat in Suva.
Nayasi described the contribution as a reflection of the longstanding partnership between China and the Pacific Islands Forum, particularly in strengthening trade, investment and regional development.
He highlighted China’s support for the Pacific Trade Invest Office in Beijing, saying it has helped deepen commercial links between Pacific Island countries and one of the world’s largest markets.
“The Pacific Trade Invest Office in Beijing, which China has hosted over the years, is a critical part of our strengthened relationship, particularly in trade and investment,” Nayasi said.
China has been a Forum Dialogue Partner since 1990, with cooperation spanning trade, infrastructure, fisheries, agriculture, tourism and sustainable development. Established in 2000, the China–Pacific Islands Forum Cooperation Fund supports initiatives to expand economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges across the region.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Wang reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to the Pacific, describing China as “a good and reliable friend as well as a partner to the Pacific Islands countries.”
The latest contribution comes as Pacific Island countries continue to strengthen partnerships with a range of development partners while maintaining that regional priorities should remain Pacific-led.
Through the 2050 Strategy, Forum leaders have consistently called for external support that aligns with the region’s own development agenda, with a focus on resilience, sustainable growth and collective prosperity.
