Ties between China and Oceanian countries enter new era

In his talks with New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key, the Chinese president said the two countries have built high-level political mutual trust and carried out mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide range of areas on the basis of mutual understanding, inclusiveness and equality.

The New Zealand's prime minister said his country is committed to working with China to consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership, and will continue supporting China on issues regarding China's core interests and major concerns.

With a free-trade agreement signed with China in 2008, New Zealand, especially its dairy industry, has grabbed big opportunities in a huge market. It has been reported that the dairy industry in New Zealand has achieved a growth of five folds as a result of the China-New Zealand FTA.

Pat English, chief executive of the New Zealand China Council, said the relationship between New Zealand and China would deepen with the new comprehensive strategic partnership announced during Xi's state visit.

New Zealand Herald ran a commentary, saying that Xi's visit would bring huge benefit to New Zealand as more and more Chinese people would better learn about the South Pacific nation.

During his state visit to Fiji, the first in history by a Chinese president, Xi said China regards the country as a sincere friend and important partner in the Pacific island region.

Telling his Fijian counterpart Epeli Nailatikau, Xi said China firmly supports the Fijian people in independently choosing a development path that fits the national conditions of Fiji, stands behind Fiji's efforts in developing its economy and improving people's life, and backs its reasonable appeals in the international arena.

Nailatikau said Fiji regards the development of its relations with China as a cornerstone of its "Look North Policy," which is aimed at enriching the country's relations with Asia.

Pita Wise, permanent secretary of Fiji's Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, told Xinhua that his country needs China very much.

"I think if we strengthen the partnership with China, it will be an advantage to Fiji in terms of investment, growth and prosperity, and that is very important."

Meanwhile, China and eight Pacific island countries also agreed to establish a strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development.

At a meeting with leaders of the eight Pacific island countries, which have established diplomatic ties with China since the 1970s, Xi expounded China's policy and measures to enhance relations with the island countries in a new era, stressing that China is a sincere friend and partner of those countries.

The leaders of the island countries said they all regard China as a sincere friend and partner as the Chinese side always respects and supports the island countries.

They also said China's policy and measures toward the island countries in the new era meeting their actual needs and will help the countries in their push for sustainable development.

Sandra Tarte, associate professor and director of politics and international affairs program of the University of the South Pacific, said that Xi's visit to Fiji and meetings with South Pacific island countries' leaders is obviously a significant milestone in the relationship.

Although they are geographically far apart, China and these countries, with sincere pledges and joint efforts, will surely witness more substantial results from the development of their relations in the future.