On 23 August 2023, the 22nd Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit was held in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Vanuatu Prime Minister Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau chaired the Summit. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Matai Seremaiah and Minister of Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu, Indonesia Deputy Foreign Minister Pahala Nugraha Mansury and MSG Director General Leonard Louma attended the Summit. Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu Li Minggang attended the Summit as a special guest.

Ambassador Li said that the MSG is an important inter-governmental organization in the Pacific island region, which plays a key role in promoting regional peace, stability, economic integration, cultural exchanges and so on. China is willing to enhance communication, exchanges and cooperation with MSG in economy, investment, tourism, climate change, etc.

Ambassador Li said that China’s policy towards the Pacific island countries based on “four fully respects” raised by President Xi Jinping: first, China fully respects the sovereignty and independence of Pacific island countries; second, China fully respects the will of Pacific island countries; third, China fully respects the cultural traditions of Pacific island nations; fourth, China fully respects Pacific island countries’ effort to seek strength through unity. China provides genuine support to Pacific island countries for the latter to achieve independent and sustainable development, takes very seriously the concerns of the Pacific island countries on climate change, and will continue to help Pacific island countries based on equal treatment and win-win cooperation.

Delegates at the Summit had in-depth exchanges on strengthening MSG solidarity, addressing climate change, protecting marine environment, promoting economic recovery, etc.