Pacific leaders reiterate adherence to One-China policy

Leaders of Pacific island countries have reiterated their governments' adherence to the One-China policy here.

At meetings with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhou Wenzhong on the weekend, leaders of the region also spoke highly of the relations between China and island countries in the region.

They expressed appreciation over the assistance China provided their countries over the years.

They also expressed the hope that cooperative relationship with China will be further enhanced so to benefit between peoples of China and their countries.

Among regional leaders Zhou met are Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, Micronesian President Joseph Urusemal, Nauruan President Ludwig Scotty, Niue Prime Minister Young Vivian, Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Michael Somare, Togan Prime Minister Ulukala Lavaka-Ata and Vanuatu Vice Prime Minister Maxime Korman.

The leaders are here to attend the 35th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Summit which concluded Saturday and will start their meetings with 12 forum dialogue partners including China on Monday.

Thanking the leaders for their governments' insistence on the One-China policy, Zhou called for their continuous vigilance against Taiwan authority's active selling of its policies of "two Chinas" or "One China, One Taiwan" in the world, and its attempt to undermine relations between China and those who have diplomatic ties with her in the region.

Zhou highly evaluated China's bilateral relations with the countries. He said China attaches great importance to her ties with the region, which form an important part in her foreign policy.

China will announce the opening up of several Pacific countries as tourist destinations for Chinese citizens during its dialogue with the Forum, he said.

China will continue to fund Forum's trade representative office in China and invite South Pacific island countries to participate in a diplomatic training course to be held in China in October, he added.