During a recent meeting with Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Ishmael Kalsakau, Xi Jinping pointed out that Vanuatu is the most influential country in the Pacific Island region. Kalsakau also stated that China is a sincere friend of the Pacific Island countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations over 30 years ago, China and Vanuatu have engaged in extensive cooperation across various fields, achieving fruitful results in political, economic, cultural, and educational exchanges, with the relationship continuously advancing.
According to the Vanuatu Citizenship Act, Article 20 states: Overseas individuals who can promote and improve Vanuatu's economic development and contribute to the country and its people may be recommended by the Prime Minister of Vanuatu to become honorary citizens of Vanuatu, and upon approval by the President of Vanuatu, the honorary citizenship can be formally granted. This program is known as the Vanuatu Fast Passport Program.
Recently, Prime Minister Kalsakau met with visiting Deputy Chief of Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wang Guanzhong, in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Kalsakau welcomed Wang Guanzhong's delegation to Vanuatu. He stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1982, the bilateral relationship has developed well, with mutual trust continuously strengthening and good communication and coordination maintained on major international and regional issues. The Vanuatu government appreciates the remarkable achievements of China's economic development and congratulates the Chinese Communist Party on the decisions made at the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee to deepen reforms. He believes that China's development sets a good example for Vanuatu's development and construction. Kalsakau reiterated that the Vanuatu government will continue to adhere to the One China policy.
Wang Guanzhong expressed gratitude for Kalsakau's meeting. He stated that over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both sides have maintained close high-level exchanges, with significant achievements in economic and trade cooperation and deepening cultural exchanges. The Chinese side is satisfied with the development of China-Vanuatu relations and is confident in the friendly cooperation between the two countries. Although the military relations between China and Vanuatu started relatively late, they have developed smoothly. The Chinese side attaches great importance to its relationship with Vanuatu's mobile forces and is willing to work together with Vanuatu to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the military field, making a positive contribution to the overall development of the bilateral relationship.
On the same day, Wang Guanzhong also held talks with John Taliu, the Acting Police Commissioner of Vanuatu, and Job Eshao, the Commander of Vanuatu's mobile forces, to discuss deepening cooperation between the Chinese military and Vanuatu's mobile forces.