China points to deepening economic ties with Vanuatu

September 23, 2026 10:37 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Nicholas Mwai.

China has pointed to expanding trade and economic cooperation with Vanuatu, with bilateral trade reaching US$419 million in 2025, according to Chinese Chargé d’Affaires Gu Zihua.

Gu outlined the growing economic and development relationship between the two countries during a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Port Vila on Tuesday, September 22, marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The reception was attended by President Nikenike Vurobaravu, Prime Minister Jotham Napat, Speaker of Parliament Stephen Felix, ministers, MPs, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the Chinese community.

Gu said bilateral trade reached US$419 million in 2025, double the 2024 figure.

He said China and Vanuatu had also signed a Framework Agreement on Enhancing Economic Partnership, which is intended to facilitate the entry of Vanuatu products into the Chinese market.

Gu pointed to a number of Chinese-supported infrastructure projects in Vanuatu, including post-earthquake rehabilitation of the State House, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korman Stadium and Malapoa College, as well as the Tanna and Ambae road projects.

He highlighted the signing last week of the Implementation Agreement for the Port Vila Road Upgrading Project, describing it as an important step towards delivering the major infrastructure project.

The Chinese diplomat said the project would contribute to Vanuatu’s infrastructure development as the country continues its national development.

Gu said China and Vanuatu had maintained 44 years of diplomatic relations based on mutual respect, solidarity and cooperation.

He said China would continue to deepen cooperation with Vanuatu, including through the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with Vanuatu’s Santo Economic Corridor.

“China will deepen all-weather, all-round cooperation with Vanuatu,” Gu said, adding that the two countries would continue building what he described as a China-Vanuatu community with a shared future.

The relationship also extends into health and education.

Gu said more than 300 Chinese doctors had worked in Vanuatu over the years, while increasing numbers of Vanuatu students were travelling to China to study with support from Chinese scholarships.

The reception also provided an opportunity for Gu to express sympathy to the people of Ambae affected by volcanic ashfall and condolences to the families and communities affected by the recent MV Matui tragedy.

China has provided US$100,000, approximately VT11 million, in emergency assistance to support communities affected by the ashfall.

Gu said, “We hope the 100,000 USD emergency aid we provide will help people fight against these difficulties.”

President Vurobaravu, in his remarks, thanked China for its continued friendship, cooperation and support to Vanuatu.

He said the relationship between the two countries had been built over more than four decades on mutual respect, equality and respect for sovereignty.

“I would like to thank you for your friendship and comprehensive partnership with the People’s Republic of China,” President Vurobaravu said.

Vanuatu’s position on One-China policy clear and unchanged: President Vurobaravu

He also reaffirmed Vanuatu’s position on the One-China policy, saying Vanuatu’s position remained clear and unchanged.

“Vanuatu recognised the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing China,” he said.

The President said Vanuatu looked forward to working closely with China on sustainable development, climate change, resilience and issues affecting developing countries and small island developing states.

The reception also highlighted growing links between local governments in Vanuatu and China.

Gu said Shanghai, Foshan and Liaocheng had established friendly-city or cooperation relationships with Port Vila, while the President of the Shefa Provincial Council had recently visited Hunan Province.

He said the two sides had expressed an intention to establish sister-province relations in the future.

A delegation from Zigong City in Sichuan Province also travelled to Vanuatu for the reception, showcasing the Chinese city’s culture and products.

Gu said such subnational cooperation was an important part of China-Vanuatu relations and could further strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

The reception concluded with a toast to the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and to continued friendship and cooperation between China and Vanuatu.