In the shifting geography of global geopolitics, the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) – long treated as quaint backwaters by the post-colonial West – are finally being taken seriously. Their elevation comes not through Western benevolence but through China’s methodical outreach, which is, to some, a cause for concern; to others, it is a necessary correction in a lopsided world order. As the third China–Pacific Island countries foreign ministers’ meeting approaches, it’s worth asking: What does genuine partnership in the Pacific look like – and who gets to define it? China’s engagement with PICs stretches back to the 1970s, when diplomatic ties were built less on grand strategic designs and more on solidarity among post-colonial nations navigating the ideological fault lines of the Cold War. The initial diplomatic gestures have evolved into a broad partnership covering more than 20 different sectors, including marine conservation, infrastructure, education and public health. China is working with PICs in more than 20 fields, including marine protection, disaster relief, education and sports. What is notable is the consistency, scale and sincerity of the effort. The emphasis on cooperation in disaster prevention, poverty alleviation and sustainable agriculture – key themes for the upcoming ministerial meeting – aligns closely with the region’s pressing needs. Take, for instance, the introduction of Juncao technology (literally “mushroom grass”), developed by Chinese scientists to grow edible fungi using grass rather than wood. In countries grappling with deforestation and food insecurity, this innovation is more than an agricultural curiosity – it is a lifeline. Consider Papua New Guinea, where Juncao has been deployed not only to boost nutrition and income but to rehabilitate degraded land. Or Fiji, which has received equipment and training for Juncao demonstration centres, enabling small-scale farmers to diversify their crops and shield their livelihoods from climate shocks. These are not headline-grabbing mega-projects; they are, instead, low-profile but high-impact examples of what developmental diplomacy can achieve. China has maintained a steady, extensive and attentive approach to PICs’ priorities while the West displays sporadic interest. The transformation becomes evident through simple statistical data. Total trade between China and PICs that have established diplomatic relations with China surged from $153 million to $5.3 billion from 1992 to 2021, at an average annual rate of 13 per cent over nearly three decades. The 30-fold growth has established China as a critical economic partner, providing essential market opportunities for exporting vital minerals, seafood and agricultural products. China is extending its helping hand beyond development and trade initiatives. The defence industry collaboration has become a fundamental aspect of international cooperation. Through its Global Security Initiative, Beijing has expanded its presence to build capacities for addressing traditional and non-traditional security threats and deliver security worldwide. Similarly, climate change remains the defining existential challenge for the PICs – a test of whether global powers will respect the region’s self-defined priorities. The increasing sea levels have already flooded agricultural areas in Kiribati and discussions about relocation to Tuvalu have started. The West has failed to deliver climate financing promises; but China has focused on building green infrastructure, solar energy systems and resilience projects, which other countries have not implemented. Pursuing strategic interests through diplomatic recognition, multilateral forum voting and the Belt and Road Initiative remains constant. The current Chinese approach uses “win-win” cooperation language and respects sovereignty principles, which appeal to nations that have experienced patronising oversight. China has demonstrated positive signs of change by providing grants to developing countries while working with local non-governmental organisations and creating oversight systems. The development of people-to-people ties is equally important. China has expanded its scholarship opportunities for PICs’ students while investing in cultural diplomatic initiatives. These soft power efforts – language training, academic exchanges and joint research – can reframe the relationship from donor-recipient to collaborative partnership. The foreign ministers’ meeting offers more than a chance to expand the docket of joint initiatives. It presents an opportunity to codify equality, inclusion and regional agency principles. A truly transformative partnership would embed projects within PICs’ national development plans, not dictate them from afar. It would empower regional mechanisms – such as the China–Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Cooperation Centre – to function as genuine multilateral platforms. And it would listen, rather than assume. By: Imran Khalid Imran Khalid, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a freelance columnist on international affairs. The article reflects the author’s opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN and of the Fiji Sun. *DISCLAIMER: This article first appeared on CGTN’s official website and has been republished with approval from CGTN.