The China – Small Island State Ocean-related Ministerial Round Table Meeting will be held in Pingtan, Fujian province on September 21-22, local media reported.

According to the first preparatory work meeting in May, the round table meeting has been approved by China's State Council and will be held jointly by the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) and the People's Government of Fujian Province.

The theme of the meeting, "blue economy, ecological island", reflects China's vision of establishing partnerships with island states and protecting the ecological environment of islands.

"Holding the round table meeting is an important step following President Xi Jinping's and Premier Li Keqiang's series of important speeches on developing and improving friendly relations and cooperation with small island states," remarked Wang Hong, the Party secretary and chief of the SOA.

The meeting is also a good opportunity for Fujian province to promote its role as a key player in China's 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, which aims to build closer ties between China and coastal regions across Asia, Africa and Europe.

Fujian will look to use the meeting to promote cooperation with small island states involved in the initiative, according to Wang Qiyu, deputy governor of Fujian province.

The first preparatory working meeting of China – Small Island States Ocean-related Ministerial Meeting held in May. [photo/ state oceanic administration.com]