China has unveiled a sweeping aid and cooperation package for Pacific Island nations, pledging US$2 million for climate initiatives and expanded support across policing, agriculture, and tourism.
The announcement came at the Third China–Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held from May 28 to 29 in Xiamen, Fujian Province. The meeting culminated in a joint statement outlining 12 key initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral ties.
Central to the package is a US$2 million fund dedicated to climate change cooperation, targeting sectors such as clean energy, ocean conservation, and low-carbon infrastructure. China also committed to implementing 200 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects across the region within the year, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative.
In the realm of disaster management, China proposed establishing a dedicated cooperation mechanism with Pacific Island countries. This move builds on previous efforts, including the launch of the China-Pacific Island Countries Reserve for Emergency Supplies in Guangdong Province in 2021.
Agricultural collaboration will see the continuation of technical assistance programs, with plans to build demonstration bases focusing on high-yield rice, tuber planting technology, and vegetable cultivation. Offshore aquaculture cooperation is also set to advance .
On the security front, China announced plans to hold the fourth Ministerial Dialogue on Police Capacity Building and Cooperation within the year. This follows previous dialogues aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities in the region .
Educational initiatives include the provision of 274 scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year and 500 human resource training opportunities within 2025. In the medical sector, China will dispatch seven groups of 56 medical personnel to Pacific Island countries, expand cooperation on Traditional Chinese Medicine, and carry out free medical treatment programs, including the “Brightness Action” and “Urology Action” for cataract and urological patients .
Tourism and cultural exchanges are also on the agenda, with China launching a “China Blue Pacific Tourism Promotion Initiative” and inviting Pacific Island countries to attend the 2025 China International Travel Mart with free exhibition booths .
This comprehensive package highlights China’s intent to solidify its presence in the Pacific, offering an alternative to traditional partners like Australia and the United States. As Pacific nations navigate these evolving dynamics, the balance of influence in the region continues to shift.
