September 18, 2026
Pohnpei, FSM— President Wesley Simina joined diplomats, national and State government officials, members of the local Chinese community, and other invited guests Friday evening at the Cliff Rainbow Hotel for a reception commemorating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and 37 years of diplomatic relations between China and the Federated States of Micronesia.
People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the FSM WU Wei welcomed the guests and thanked people across the FSM, Chinese enterprises operating in the country, and the local Chinese community for their support of China-FSM relations.
Much of WU’s address reviewed China’s development and its plans for the coming years. He said China’s new 15th Five-Year Plan would guide the country’s development while creating opportunities for other countries, including the FSM. He also pointed to growth in advanced manufacturing, the digital economy, modern services, and technological innovation in China.
WU said China continues to regard Pacific Island countries as friends and partners and intends to deepen cooperation in areas including energy transition, ocean-related initiatives, trade, and investment. He said China would continue to support what he described as “small and smart projects” intended to produce tangible benefits for Pacific communities.
The Ambassador devoted a substantial portion of his remarks to the relationship between China and the FSM, which formally established diplomatic relations on September 11, 1989.
“Despite changes in the international landscape, our relations have remained steadfast and resilient,” WU said.
He said China supports the FSM’s sovereignty and independence and noted the FSM’s adherence to the One China policy. He also recalled President Simina’s 2024 state visit to China, during which Simina met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and pointed to continuing exchanges among national and State leaders.
WU cited several projects and exchanges currently underway or recently completed in the FSM. He said road upgrading work in Chuuk and bridge reconstruction in Pohnpei have entered the implementation stage, while preliminary work has also advanced on a road project in Yap. He also referred to Chinese-supported projects in Kosrae.
The Ambassador said China’s agricultural technical assistance team continues work in the FSM and noted the response of a Chinese medical team following Typhoon Sinlaku in Chuuk. According to WU, the medical team treated more than 500 patients over six days. China and the FSM have also signed a protocol covering the dispatch of Chinese medical teams to the FSM from 2026 through 2030.
More than 100 FSM participants have traveled to China this year for training and study programs in areas including climate change, energy transition, government administration, disaster preparedness, maritime management, and public health, he said.
WU compared the relationship developed over the past 37 years to a growing tree, describing mutual respect and common development as its roots, friendship between the peoples of the two countries as its branches and trunk, and practical cooperation as its fruit.
He concluded by proposing a toast to the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 37th anniversary of China-FSM diplomatic relations, and the continued development of the bilateral relationship.
FSM Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ricky Cantero followed WU, offering congratulations on behalf of the FSM government and people and President Simina.
Cantero said the presence of national leaders, diplomats, government officials, and other guests at the reception reflected the importance the FSM places on its relationship with China.
He described the relationship established nearly four decades ago as one “anchored in mutual trust, sovereign equality, and a shared commitment for sustainable development.”
Cantero connected those principles with language in the FSM Constitution’s preamble, saying the FSM seeks in its international relationships “peace, friendship, cooperation, and love for our common humanity.”
He said cooperation with China has extended across infrastructure, agriculture, education, medicine, and capacity-building programs, with projects and assistance benefiting communities throughout the FSM.
Cantero placed particular emphasis on exchanges between people of the two countries.
“They allow our citizens, our leaders, our students, professionals, and our communities to better understand one another, strengthen friendship, and build friendship that goes beyond government-to-government cooperations,” he said.
He also welcomed continuing high-level exchanges between the two countries, saying visits and other engagements provide opportunities to promote trade, investment, economic cooperation, and greater connections between the FSM and China.
Looking ahead, Cantero said the FSM remains committed to developing its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, including continued economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.
“The strength of the FSM-China relationship is not measured only in infrastructure agreements or cultures, but in the genuine bond of friendship between our peoples,” he said.
Cantero concluded with his own toast to the continued success of the government of the People’s Republic of China, the prosperity of its people, and 37 years of friendly relations between the two nations.
Following the speeches, the College of Micronesia-FSM Choir, under the direction of Dr. Michael Muller, performed three numbers for the assembled guests. Two of the selections were sung in Chinese, drawing an enthusiastic response from Chinese nationals attending the celebration.
The formal program concluded with a lavish buffet dinner.
Leave a Reply