Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President David W. Panuelo of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

On December 13, 2019, President Xi Jinping held talks with President David W. Panuelo of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping welcomed David W. Panuelo's visit to China as the two countries celebrate their 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and spoke highly of David W. Panuelo's active commitment to developing relations with China and his firm adherence to the One China principle since taking office. Xi Jinping pointed out, China is committed to peaceful development, upholds the principle that all countries are equal regardless of their size, firmly opposes unilateralism and hegemony, and actively advocates that all countries should work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind. For the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have respected, trusted and supported each other, and conducted practical cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, pushing bilateral relations for substantial progress and bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples. The Chinese side attaches great importance to China-FSM relations, and is willing to make concerted efforts with the FSM side to promote the in-depth and practical development of bilateral relations to better benefit the two peoples.

Xi Jinping stressed, the two sides should maintain exchanges at all levels, expand communication and exchanges between governmental departments and legislatures, and enhance political mutual trust. The Chinese side will, as always, respect the development path taken by the FSM side in line with its national conditions and support the efforts of the FSM side to safeguard national independence and promote national development. The two sides should complement each other's advantages and actively expand cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure construction and tourism under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The FSM side is welcome to export more products with competitive advantages like tuna to China, make full use of the policies and measures the Chinese side has announced on cooperation with and support for island countries, and carry out more practical cooperation projects benefiting people's livelihoods. The Chinese side is willing to offer economic and technical assistance to the FSM side within its own capacity. The two sides should advance people-to-people and cultural exchanges and the exchanges at local level. Both sides should take the signing of the visa exemption deal for those holding diplomatic and service passports as well as passports for public affairs as an opportunity to enhance two-way personnel exchanges, deepen traditional friendship between the two peoples, and achieve more practical results on local cooperation among Guangdong Province, Hainan Province and the FSM. The two sides should cement communication and cooperation and continue to strengthen coordination on major issues including climate change and marine affairs.

David W. Panuelo congratulated the People's Republic of China on the 70th anniversary of its founding. He said, I have felt personally the interaction between China's time-honored history and culture and remarkable achievements in modern development during my visit. As a sincere friend of China, I am truly pleased with China's great achievements in development and believe that China will achieve even greater success in the future. The FSM side speaks highly of President Xi Jinping's proposal of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the important role it has played in promoting world peace and stability. The FSM, as a small country, is appreciative of the equal treatment and respect offered by China. The Chinese side was the first country to provide support to the FSM's national independence and liberation movement as well as assistance to its national development. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 30 years ago, bilateral cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the FSM and its people. I reiterate, the FSM side will continue firmly abiding by the One China principle. Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet affairs are China's internal affairs and brook no outside interference. The success of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) demonstrates China's commitment to realizing mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity with other countries in the world. The FSM side hopes to further expand cooperation between the two countries in economy and trade, infrastructure construction, agriculture, education and other fields, and take an active part in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. The FSM-China relations are believed to have a better future. The FSM side speaks highly of the Chinese side's important role in global issues like tackling climate change, and hopes to continue strengthening coordination and cooperation with the Chinese side. The FSM side is willing to play an active role in promoting the development of relations between China and Pacific island countries.

The two heads of state witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation documents after their talks.

Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for David W. Panuelo at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Peng Liyuan, Yang Jiechi, Wang Dongming, Wang Yi, Yang Chuantang, He Lifeng and others were present.