China-Vanuatu Ties: Two nations vow to expand bilateral cooperation

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02:55

China and Vanuatu, an island nation in Oceania, aim to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership in multiple fields. Belt and Road cooperation is also topping the agenda of the nation's Prime Minister, who was welcomed to Beijing on Monday by Chinese officials. CGTN reporter Wang Mengzhen has more.

This is Charlot Salwai's first visit to China as Prime Minister of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang welcomed him with a red-carpet ceremony Monday morning at the Great Hall of the People.

After their bilateral talks, the two also witnessed the signing of five key documents covering economic, technical and infrastructure collaboration.

They also signed intergovernmental plans regarding Belt and Road cooperation.

Chinese scholar Zhong Feiteng says this is mutually beneficial as the oceanic country plays a key role along China's Twenty-First Century Maritime silk road.

PROFESSOR ZHONG FEITENG CHINESE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES "So China wants to build a deeper relationship with South pacific countries including Vanuatu, to help them understand why a rising China is a good thing and a rising China can contribute to regional peace and common development."

It's been 37 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties. And they have forged closer high-level contacts in recent years.

Last November, President Xi also sat down with Salwai in Papua New Guinea during the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting exchanging ideas on issues of mutual interest.

Looking ahead, experts say that bilateral cooperation in the tourism industry will have huge potential, as it remains the pillar for Vanuatu, accounting for some 40% of the nation's economic growth.

After Beijing, Salwai is also expected to visit Southern China's Hainan, seeking more related cooperation with the island province and also visiting a newly established pilot Free Trade Zone.

WANG MENGZHEN BEIJING "Zhong adds that this is also a good opportunity for Chinese leaders to send a message to Vanuatu that China is willing to build a community with shared future equally with all countries, big and small. Wang Mengzhen, CGTN, BEIJING."