Region: New narratives delivered during foreign minister meeting almost certainly deployed to strengthen Pacific relationships

Over 28-29 May, China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, hosted the foreign ministers and officials of 11 Pacific island countries and territories for the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting in Xiamen. Official joint statements from the meeting reiterated support for the one-China policy with regard to Taiwan. It promised to hold a further meeting on police training before the end of 2025 and announced the establishment of a new disaster management mechanism. $2 million investments were also announced in clean energy, fisheries and tourism. Minister Wang also reiterated support for global climate governance and “South-South cooperation” on climate change.

Assessment: China has previously held security dialogues that have not eventuated in any change to its Pacific support, likely indicating a preference by Pacific states for traditional partners. The disaster management sector is likely perceived as a new avenue to increase its security relationships via an intermediate step. Despite the lack of concrete outcomes, China deployed a new set of narratives to appeal to Pacific states, focusing on their specific issues of climate change and economic development. The “South-South cooperation” also draws on an historically successful narrative of shared underdeveloped and anti-colonial sentiments. These key messages are almost certainly being deployed to take advantage of recent US announcements to increase tariffs, cut aid, and discontinue support for climate action.

Sources: “China to Host Pacific Foreign Ministers for First In‑Person Summit in Xiamen,” RNZ, May 28–29, 2025; Deli-Sharon Oso, “China‑PICs Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Concludes with Nine‑Point Declaration,” Solomon Star News, May 29, 2025; Stephen Dziedzic, “Pacific Island Nations Support China’s Taiwan Claims at High‑Profile Foreign Ministers’ Meeting,” ABC News, May 29, 2025; Nikhil Aiyush Kumar, “China’s Efforts Promote PICs Cooperation,” FBC News, May 30, 2025.