Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivers a speech at the Vanuatu National Convention Center. Photo from web

 

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, delivered a speech at the Vanuatu National Convention Center, focusing on the theme "Jointly Building a Closer China-Pacific Island community," on local time Monday, highlighting that as Chinese modernization progresses, countries worldwide will have broader market opportunities and more prospects for cooperation and mutual benefits.

The event was attended by Charlot Salwai, chairman of the Reunification Movement for Change and prime minister of Vanuatu, and other key government officials, political leaders, academics, business leaders, media representatives, and young people,  attracting around 200 participants.

Liu emphasized that the 20th CPC National Congress identified the central task of the CPC is to lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in a concerted effort to realize the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.

He highlighted China's accelerated deep-level reforms and high-level openness aimed at promoting high-quality economic development. Liu noted that as Chinese modernization progresses, countries worldwide will have broader market opportunities and more prospects for cooperation and mutual benefits.

Reflecting on historical principles, Liu mentioned that 70 years ago, China first proposed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which have since been widely accepted and recognized globally. 

Liu also emphasized the longstanding friendships between China and Vanuatu, which, despite the geographical distance, has grown over the past 42 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. 

He reiterated that China and Vanuatu are sincere friends, cooperative partners, and supportive brothers. China is willing to enhance exchanges and dialogue at all levels with Vanuatu, deepen development strategy alignment, support each other on core interests and major concerns, and jointly pursue development to benefit both peoples.

Furthermore, Liu underscored that the China-Vanuatu relationship mirrors China's broader relationship with Pacific Island countries (PICs). 

Regardless of changing international circumstances, China's friendly policy toward PICs remains consistent, and its cooperation commitments unwavering. China insists on mutual respect, equality, prioritizing righteousness, mutual support, and openness in its dealings with PICs. 

Liu advocated for strengthened exchanges and dialogue among governments, political parties, and parliaments, fostering mutual understanding and trust, and advancing a comprehensive strategic partnership. He also called for the international community to focus on the unique situation and legitimate concerns of island countries, supporting their legitimate rights globally, and promoting a fair and inclusive economic globalization.

Liu concluded by affirming that China-Pacific Island cooperation is developmental and not targeted at, influenced by, nor limited by any third party. China is willing to engage in trilateral or multilateral cooperation with countries genuinely interested in the development of Pacific islands. China looks forward to strengthening dialogue, practical cooperation, and cultural exchanges with Vanuatu and other PICs, aiming to build a closer China-Pacific Island community with a shared future.

Liu is leading a CPC delegation visiting Vanuatu on Sunday and Monday.

The two sides agreed to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, intensify party-to-party exchanges, as well as deepen exchanges and mutual learning on experience in governance.

They also expressed the willingness to strengthen cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road and other fields, promote the development of China-Vanuatu comprehensive strategic partnership, and push for an even closer community of shared future between China and PICs, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Global Times