Region: China likely to announce further economic and other support
Over 27 March-9 April, Chinese embassies and consulates across the Pacific continued to make announcements of support following the withdrawal of many USAID programmes.
In Fiji, the Chinese ambassador, Jian Zhou hinted at investment and support in rice cultivation to boost the local economy and contribute to regional food security efforts in the face of global tariffs and supply chain disruption.
In Tonga, ambassador Liu Weimin oversaw the donation of a barge from China’s Dongguan City to Tonga’s Ha’apai region. Ambassador Liu Weimin stated that the donation “serves as a vivid testament of China’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of the Tongan people.”
The Vanuatu Police Force took delivery of approximately VT40 million worth of law enforcement equipment previously requested from China, including motorcycles, uniforms, and breathalysers. No lethal aid was included. The Prime Minister’s Office also announced that it received a grant of approximately VT2 billion from China to undertake a road rehabilitation project in Port Vila’s Central Business District.
Assessment: Further announcements and political discussions are likely over the short term as China attempts to take advantage of US withdrawals and increase its own influence.
Sources: Shania Shayal Prasad, “Chinese Ambassador backs Fiji rice expansion,” FBC, March 27,2025; “Ha’apai gets new barge from China,” Talanoa o Tonga, April 6, 2025; “VT2 billion grant from China for Port Vila CBD road upgrades,” Daily Post Vanuatu, April 8, 2025; Adorina Massing, “China donates VT40 million worth of equipment to strengthen Vanuatu Police Force,” Daily Post Vanuatu, April 3, 2025.
