Wang Yi: China and Pacific Island countries FMs' meeting yields five-point consensus

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, said China and Pacific Islands Countries (PICs) attending the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting reached a five-pronged consensus on Wednesday.

Wang introduced the consensus while meeting the press with Kiribati's President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau after the foreign ministers' meeting.

Wang said China and the PICs attending the meeting engaged in in-depth discussions on advancing bilateral cooperation and international and regional issues of common concern, reaching a consensus in five key areas.

Both sides advocate to treat each other as equals. China has consistently advocated for the equality of all countries regardless of size, and appreciates Pacific Island countries' reaffirmation of the one-China principle and their understanding and support for China's legitimate rights to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The parties concerned are committed to promoting common development. Both sides will promote synergy between high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. China will provide more convenience for Pacific Island countries to export high-quality products to China, so that the countries can share China's huge market.

The third is to uphold fairness and justice. The two sides will take the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations as an opportunity to uphold multilateralism and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

Both sides embrace openness and inclusivity. The international community should respect Pacific Island countries' autonomy in choosing development partners. The most urgent issues such as climate change, economic growth and livelihood improvement, should be prioritized when developing relations with Pacific Island countries.

They advocate mutual learning and civilizational exchanges. Both Chinese civilization and the unique maritime civilization of the Pacific Island countries are invaluable global heritage. The two sides will strengthen traditional friendship, jointly advance the Global Civilization Initiative, and deepen exchanges in education, culture, media, and other fields, to jointly promote the civilizational advancement of human society.

(With input from Xinhua)