China brings farming tools and free healthcare to Rentapao

By James Kapen.

The Chinese Embassy donated 200 farming tools and a Chinese medical team provided free healthcare to residents of Rentapao on Wednesday, 28 October, bringing China–Vanuatu cooperation directly to the rural community.

The outreach saw the embassy donate 100 bush knives and 100 shovels to support local agricultural activities, while the medical team treated elderly residents and other community members who needed healthcare but faced difficulties accessing hospital services.

Former Vanuatu Prime Minister (PM) Moana Carcasses Kalosil, accompanied by his wife, Member of Parliament (MP) Marie-Louis Milne, described the relationship between China and Vanuatu as one that extends beyond government-to-government engagement to encompass genuine friendship between their peoples.

Kalosil said the partnership between the two countries was founded on mutual respect, cooperation, solidarity and a shared belief that every nation, regardless of size, deserves dignity, independence and the opportunity to prosper.

“Vanuatu may be small in size, but friendship is not measured by the size of a nation. It is measured by the sincerity of its people and the strength of their commitment to one another,” he said.

Addressing the Rentapao community, Kalosil said a strong community was not defined by its financial wealth but by the willingness of its people to stand together, help one another and ensure nobody was left behind.

Speaking to China’s Acting Ambassador to Vanuatu, Gu Zihua, Kalosil said that, as a former PM, he had always believed international relations must ultimately serve the interests and well-being of ordinary citizens.

He acknowledged the importance of diplomacy and formal agreements but said the greatest achievement of international cooperation was its ability to make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.

The assistance provided to Rentapao, he said, was a practical example of this.

In response, Acting Ambassador Gu reaffirmed China’s commitment to its longstanding relationship with Vanuatu, describing the two countries as close friends and brothers.

He said China had maintained a strong friendship with Vanuatu for many years and that providing assistance to the country was a pleasure.

Gu expressed hope that the relationship would continue to grow stronger, with further opportunities for cooperation and development.

He outlined areas in which China was supporting Vanuatu, including infrastructure development, healthcare and education.

He also referred to Chinese Government scholarships, noting that applications for fully funded master’s and doctoral studies were open during the week of the visit.

The scholarships offer eligible Vanuatu students opportunities to pursue higher education and gain knowledge and skills that could contribute to the country’s future development.

Gu also spoke about his visits to rural communities, describing these engagements as among his most rewarding experiences outside the office.

He said meeting local residents and experiencing their friendliness offered an opportunity to connect with the people of Vanuatu and better understand rural life.

The visit was facilitated by Kalosil and his wife, MP Milne, who have longstanding ties to Rentapao, having lived in the community since childhood.

Their connections helped bring the Chinese delegation to the area, enabling residents to benefit directly from the agricultural assistance, medical services and engagement with diplomatic representatives.

The visit demonstrated how bilateral cooperation can extend beyond official engagements to reach rural communities and respond to local needs.