What does China’s expanding role mean for the Pacific’s future?

China is strengthening its ties with Pacific Island nations following the conclusion of a major diplomatic event – the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held in Xiamen. The meeting, chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, brought together senior diplomats from 11 Pacific nations with formal ties to Beijing. What were the key takeaways from the meeting? How is China’s growing partnership with Pacific Island nations shaping sustainable regional development? As China’s role expands, is there opportunity for traditional and emerging partners to collaborate on Pacific-led priorities? Host Xu Yawen joins Chen Xi, Assistant to the Director at the New Zealand Studies Center at East China Normal University; Professor Sandra Tarte, Associate Professor in the School of Law and Social Sciences at the University of the South Pacific; and Professor Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology, to decode the meeting at the Chat Lounge.