On October 15th, 2020, H.E. Ambassador Huang Zheng attended signing ceremony of an implementation contract for the construction of a cargo and passenger ship donated by China in Palikir, Pohnpei. T.H. Carlson D. Apis, FSM Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Communication & Infrastructure and Mr. Brendy Carl, Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs, among others, were in attendance.

In his remarks, Ambassador Huang emphasized that it is a memorable event in China-FSM relations. The project of the construction of a cargo and passenger ship demonstrates two sides’ joint pursuit of the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation and the building of a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity as well as joint efforts to implement the important consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and FSM President David Panuelo during their summit in Beijing last December. Transportation plays a key role in a country’s economic development. The ship will enhance FSM’s marine transportation capacity, facilitate personnel and supplies movement, advance FSM’s economic and social development. Therefore, it realizes the infrastructure connectivity between China and the FSM, which is an essential feature of the BRI cooperation.   

Ambassador Huang pointed out that the ship will be a high-quality vessel particularly customized upon the request of FSM since both sides have participated in the design process. China’s foreign aid is conducted on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, openness and sustainability, without any political precondition attached on, thus it is the sincerest and most selfless one. Ambassador Huang said, through projects like this one, China will continue to work with the FSM to further develop the China-FSM Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, consolidate our Great Friendship on the fundamental bedrock of the One-China Principle and bring more benefits to both peoples.

Secretary Apis extended appreciation to the Chinese government’s aid of the construction of a cargo and passenger ship. He said that since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, China has provided generous selfless help to promote the FSM’s economic and social development. The FSM people will never forget it. The cargo and passenger ship will relieve traffic pressure among islands and significantly enhance FSM’s transportation capacity. The FSM will continue to firmly adhere to the One-China Principle, work with China to actively pursue the BRI cooperation and jointly build a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity.

On behalf of the governments of China and the FSM, Ambassador Huang and Secretary Apis signed an implementation contract for the construction of a cargo and passenger ship.