China will make further announcements on its support for the Pacific region today at the final day of the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga.

Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries Affairs of the Chinese Government Qian Bo told Cook Islands News that China’s ideologies and support in the region are similar to what Cook Islands, as a host, is requesting dialogue partners to do.

“China has all along, since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Cook Islands, with other countries, been providing material, technical, and financial assistance to our friends in the Pacific,” Qian said.

“This is an ongoing process, and we will continue to do that.”

Qian said they would make further announcements to the Forum leaders and those who would be at the dialogue meeting today on what China is committed to doing.

The Pacific Islands Forum 2050 Pacific Prosperity High-Level Dialogues is the last meeting listed for the leaders before they return to their countries this weekend.

“I will emphasise the Chinese perception or political commitment to support the Pacific Island countries on connectivity in terms of road, ports, and air routes and make some announcements,” Qian said.

He said last month, China held a successful Belt and Road conference, and they were ready to inject more funds into the Belt and Road initiative. Qian said all Pacific partners could make full use of the funds.

Meanwhile, Qian also had a meeting with Forum leader chair and Prime Minister Mark Brown, showing China’s support for Cook Islands as the host of this year’s regional meeting.

“So far, what the meeting has demonstrated is a success. I congratulated him (Brown) for his strong leadership and the hospitality shown by the government and people,” Qian said.

“We discussed how we should strengthen our cooperation on substantive matters that’s within the framework of the One Belt, One Road Initiative, and it looks like the PM (Brown) is a very visionary and down-to-earth person.”