Pacts epitome of South-South cooperation: China Daily editorial

In a move to enhance economic ties, China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with economic and trade officials of Micronesia, Vanuatu, Nauru, Kiribati and Fiji, to sign economic partnership upgrading framework agreements between China and each of those countries in Beijing on Tuesday.

Under respective pacts with these countries, China will negotiate trade in goods and services, investment and other pragmatic cooperation projects. The agreements are meant to expand trade between China and these Pacific Island countries and support the modernization of their industries and agriculture, helping them better integrate into the global industry and supply chains.

Since establishing diplomatic relations with these Pacific Island nations, China has played a key role in supporting their development through a variety of aid initiatives. This approach is evident in the numerous cooperative agreements and partnerships that prioritize local needs and capacity building.

China has contributed to infrastructure development by helping these countries build roads, airports and hospitals, which has considerably improved local people's quality of life. And by investing in critical infrastructure projects, China is not only aiding the economic development of these countries but also strengthening regional supply chains, benefiting all involved.

The agricultural cooperation programs between China and these countries are very effective. It is through these programs that not only agricultural technologies fitting local conditions are provided to help increase the output of agricultural products but also training courses are offered to help the countries cultivate their own agricultural technicians.

The concrete results of these collaborations, which also include projects related to disaster rescue and relief as well as high technology, underscore China's commitment to assisting these countries in their efforts to form a model of sustainable development that allows them to better seize the initiative of development in their own hands.

Rather than reliance, China is enabling them to better stand on their own feet and helping to ensure they can not only gain a better position to take part in the global value chains but also have a decisive say in their own future.

And through its engagement with the Pacific Island countries, China is showing how nations can work together to address common challenges and build a more equitable and sustainable future for all. That is representative of its broader endeavor to build a world where nations work collaboratively to solve common challenges such as climate change, health crises and weak economic development. Challenges that are particularly acute for these small island nations.

In an era marked by geopolitical tensions and protectionist tendencies, smaller countries such as the Pacific Island countries are especially susceptible to the vicissitudes. China's approach aligns with these countries' need for more resilience, certainty and stability.

Its commitment to the development of these countries is part of China's broader South-South cooperation, typifying its dedication to building a community with a shared future for humanity.