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Interview with Vanuatu Prime Minister Salvi

Visiting China Again

He said that China's achievements deeply touched him

He hopes to learn from China and closely integrate development with environmental protection

He thanked China for considering Vanuatu as a friend and brother

He looks forward to further strengthening cooperation and common development between the two countries in the future

Exclusive interview with Vanuatu Prime Minister Salvi by 'High end Interview'

　　Focus on international issues and gain insight into the world's trends. Hello everyone, welcome to this episode of 'High end Interview'. In the southwestern Pacific, there is a country that is far away from China but has a deep friendship, and that is Vanuatu. The guest we are going to talk to today is Charlotte Salvi, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu. After visiting China again five years later, how does Premier Salvi view Chinese path to modernization? What kind of cooperation does he expect Pacific island countries to have with China in areas such as climate change and environmental protection to experience green development? What kind of development inspiration did his visits to Guangdong, Shanghai, and Beijing bring him? Today, let's search for answers together in the conversation.

　　Zou Yun: Hello Mr. Premier, thank you for accepting our interview. In the past few days, your itinerary has been very busy, visiting many high-tech companies, taking high-speed trains, enjoying traditional Cantonese opera, and even trying out Cantonese opera performances in Guangdong, Shanghai, and Beijing. This is you and your wife trying on Cantonese opera costumes. I also heard that you like Chinese food very much. You are cutting Roasted sucking pig or Roasted baby pig, and you also like Beijing roast duck. Can you first share with us your overall impression and feelings about your visit to China?

Salvi: There's a lot to say. Beijing Roast Duck! We went to eat as soon as we arrived in Beijing. The taste is very good. The Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu took us to a traditional small and beautiful restaurant. This is my second visit to China, and the tremendous changes that have taken place in China, especially innovation, always leave a deep impression on me. Chinese cities are particularly impressive to me. China has also left a deep impression on me in terms of protecting and inheriting culture. Because culture is the foundation of everything, it can help us not forget our roots and understand the present. While protecting culture, China is also constantly promoting cultural innovation. This path is not achieved overnight, and both the Chinese government and people have put in a lot of effort for it. The achievements made by China have deeply touched me, especially in the combination of infrastructure construction with the protection of nature and the environment. Coping with climate change by maintaining ecosystems is a challenge. Therefore, I believe that for small countries like Vanuatu, learning from this experience is very important. I led the delegation here to learn.

Zou Yun: In 2020, Vanuatu was listed as one of the world's least developed countries. Mr. Premier, what do you think are the priority tasks in promoting national economic growth and enhancing economic resilience?

　　Salvi: Transforming Vanuatu from a least developed country to a developing country is very challenging for us. At first, we didn't actually reach a consensus because in our opinion, there were still some issues that needed to be resolved urgently. Firstly, in the social domain, including education and healthcare levels. We need to ensure that people have access to high-quality education and healthcare, rather than just meeting minimum standards. Similarly, public services and infrastructure such as roads, electricity, communication, and water are also needed. We are very grateful to China. China not only helped us build docks and roads on the island, but also provided us with support during disasters and medical assistance to our schools and local communities. Huazhong is a development partner, and we will also provide returns when China needs them.

Vanuatu is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and belongs to the Melanesian Islands, consisting of over 80 islands. Its unique geographical features have earned it the reputation of being the 'Pearl of the South Pacific Sea'. Sunshine, beach, sea, volcano, blending traditional ecology with modernity, it has been included in the check-in list by many travel enthusiasts.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vanuatu in 1982, the relationship between the two countries has developed smoothly. During Prime Minister Salvi's visit to China in July 2024, the two countries unanimously agreed to upgrade their comprehensive strategic partnership and build a community of shared future for China and Vanuatu in the new era.

Zou Yun: China Vanuatu relations have become a model of mutual respect, solidarity and cooperation among developing countries. How do you think we can further enhance the relationship between China and Vanuatu?

Salvi: Today, the relationship between Vanuatu and China has reached a new level. We are very pleased with this and thank China for considering Vanuatu as a friend and brother. At the same time, we respect each other's independence and do not interfere in each other's internal affairs. I want to say that we are grateful for this, because China is a great country, but it can consider Vanuatu, a small island developing country, as a friend or even a brother. We are very grateful for China's support for Vanuatu's independence at the United Nations and the Special Committee of 24 on decolonization! Due to being colonized by Britain and France, we are both members of the French speaking organization and the Commonwealth.

At that time, our then Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador on Tour, Barack Sope, went to various parts of the world to seek help in building our parliamentary building. But countries with cultural ties to us did not support us, it was China that helped us build the existing parliament building. This is our first cooperation with China, and it is also a great collaboration.

　　Zou Yun: Mr. Premier, how many times have you met with the Chairman. What is your impression of the chairman?

　　Salvi: I think the chairman is a great leader. China is a great country with a large population. It has not only contributed to the formulation of international law and related policies in areas such as climate change, but also actively worked towards achieving global peace. We are delighted to see leaders like him.

　　Zou Yun: How do you understand the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind proposed by the President, as well as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative?

Salvi: We welcome these ideas and initiatives. The concept of a community with a shared future for mankind coincides with our vision and the perspectives of our community, country, and people.

Zou Yun: Some countries have expressed "concern" about the close relationship between China and Pacific island countries. How would you respond to these so-called 'concerns' and' doubts'?

Salvi: I think Pacific island countries are facing many challenges, one of which is climate change. As is well known, rising sea levels and global warming will have an impact on Pacific island countries. We are victims, and each of our countries cares every day about how to protect the blue ocean, ensure food supply, and preserve national economic resources. Through cooperation with China, we can solve these problems. We want to collaborate with countries that listen to our voices. China is listening to our voices, so I am here to communicate with China.

This visit to China has made Guangdong the first stop for Salvi to experience China again. Here, he visited Nanshan Energy Ecological Park and other places in Shenzhen to personally experience China's technological innovation and green development.

Due to its small land area, how to dispose of garbage has become a challenge that Vanuatu must face. At the Nanshan Energy Ecological Park, a "walled incineration plant," Salvi traveled along the incinerator, centralized control room, steam turbine generator, flue gas treatment workshop, and other areas to visit and learn about advanced technologies for household waste incineration. He also exchanged and discussed with the staff with great interest on issues such as whether garbage needs to be sorted before entering the factory and how to handle garbage transportation between islands.

Salvi stated that the environmental protection measures being implemented by China will benefit many people and countries, especially small island nations.

Zou Yun: In 2022, the Vanuatu Parliament declared a climate emergency, emphasizing once again that climate change is the biggest challenge to human security and happiness. When you visited Nanshan Energy Ecological Park this time, you showed great interest in waste incineration systems and other cutting-edge environmental protection technologies. How do you plan to enhance cooperation with China by combining these observations and gains to address the challenges of climate change and environmental protection?

　　Salvi: We are truly experiencing climate change. What is climate change? Just look around us and you'll know. Some small islands are being submerged due to rising sea levels, with many trees submerged in the water. Climate change also affects people's livelihoods, especially agricultural production. So we need to confront climate change, which is not easy. We do not have enough resources to address climate change ourselves, and we need the international community to hear our voices. Not only Vanuatu, but all Pacific island countries are the same. Because we live in the vastest ocean and the natural landscape we call the 'blue hole'. We have strong resilience, but the severe cyclone still dealt a heavy blow to our economy. For example, we encountered three Category 5 cyclones within the past year. Small island countries have always been considered beautiful, they are beautiful now, but they used to be even more beautiful. Climate change, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, floods, and more have changed our natural landscape. So it is very important to deal with this change, it is a part of our national security.

　　Zou Yun: Yes. How does Vanuatu cooperate with China in addressing climate change and environmental protection?

Salvi: We have multiple collaborations. As I mentioned earlier, we have seen China's development and we also want to make progress. For example, improving infrastructure, expanding market access, raising education levels, and improving medical services for people, but all of these must be based on protecting the environment. This is one of the experiences I have learned from China. China vigorously promotes infrastructure construction while coordinating with the environment and ecosystem.

Zou Yun: Mr. Premier, I would like to show you some photos. This is a photo of you attending the handover ceremony of the Malakura Island Highway, which was built by a Chinese company and praised by the locals as the "Road of Hope" and "Road of the Future". At the handover ceremony, you said, 'This is a very significant development, and the cooperation between Vanuatu and China has reached a new height.' Mr. Prime Minister, what help do you think this road has brought to ordinary people, such as farmers, students, and others in need?

Salvi: This road has brought tremendous changes to their lives. You can take a look at the previous road conditions. When the weather is bad, we cannot go to the countryside, cross the river by transportation, or pass through rugged terrain. Nowadays, we can reach the center of the island in just a few minutes. This was previously impossible to achieve, so this highway has brought tremendous changes to people's lives, making it easier for them to go to school and hospitals. Previously, due to poor road conditions, many women were unable to reach hospitals and had to give birth on the road.

Zou Yun: Vanuatu is one of the first countries to join the "the Belt and Road" initiative proposed by China. Under this framework, the two countries have cooperated to build national stadiums and schools. Now, these collaborative projects have not only become landmark buildings in Vanuatu, but also second to none in the South Pacific region. In your opinion, what significant changes have these projects brought to people's lives and the development of the country and region?

　　Salvi: The primary task of the government is to provide better services to the people to the best of its ability. Some islands in Vanuatu have enjoyed the convenience brought by these projects. The photo you showed me was taken on Malakura Island. We have also built a similar road on Tana Island. There is an active volcano on Tana Island that attracts many tourists. With the road, it's convenient to go to the volcano. It used to be difficult, but now we can reach the volcano. I think other island countries in the Pacific are the same. We are all small island nations with limited resources, but through our interactions and cooperation with China, we have been able to build these infrastructures. These facilities are very stable and can withstand cyclones.

Zou Yun: Your government has previously emphasized the challenges in the digital divide and digital devices, as well as the main obstacles to technological progress. During your visit to China, you visited some high-tech companies. What are your prospects for strengthening cooperation with China in the fields of innovation and digital economy?

   Salvi: I think it's very important for decision-makers to have access to this information and data. We can make better decisions when resources are limited. I visited the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and learned about how China uses information technology. This is very helpful for us. We currently have an undersea optical cable and are planning to lay another one. Due to Vanuatu's vulnerability to disasters, it is crucial to provide more security through such connections.

　Zou Yun: Speaking of education, in fact, primary and secondary schools in Vanuatu have already started teaching Chinese courses. I heard from my colleagues who are reporting locally that more and more students are becoming interested in learning Chinese. What do you think the younger generation in Vanuatu's exposure to Chinese language and culture will contribute to strengthening cross-cultural understanding and international awareness?

Salvi: When I was in school, Vanuatu had not yet gained independence. I speak French myself, and English is a compulsory course because Vanuatu was a co administered colony of England and France at that time. But we need to learn another language, such as Spanish, Japanese, or German. Why? Because in the 1970s and 1980s, Japan and Germany were in a leading position in the field of technology. Nowadays, we need to learn Chinese and import a large amount of goods from China. If we want to maintain a good relationship with China, we need to learn Chinese and better understand Chinese culture. We have already offered Chinese classes in several schools in Vanuatu. We also have many students coming to China to study abroad. I think we are right, coming to China to study and learn Chinese is the right decision, because in the future we will inevitably carry out more cooperation with China.

Zou Yun: Thanks to its suitable climate, Vanuatu has abundant agricultural products such as coffee, coconuts, etc. These products are also entering the Chinese market through platforms such as the China International Import Expo. Looking ahead, Mr. Prime Minister, how do you think we can enhance the attractiveness of Vanuatu's agricultural products to Chinese consumers?

Salvi: Before discussing the market, we need to return to the primary industry and improve productivity. Because China is not a small market, but a huge market. I also invited investors interested in product production to invest in industries such as coffee, coconut, and cattle farming. Our beef is one of the best in quality.

Zou Yun: Your Excellency, I also heard that you enjoy taking walks on the beach. What do you usually think about when you take a walk?

Salvi: I take walks more for health reasons. I often take walks with friends to exchange ideas and share viewpoints. We talk about many topics. My friends and I discuss my work, but I also discuss topics outside of politics with some friends.

Zou Yun: Like your second office.

Salvi: Some people don't have the opportunity to see me in the office, but I think taking a walk together is a good opportunity to listen to their ideas. I am often a listener.

Zou Yun: Prime Minister Salvi, it's a pleasure to have this conversation with you. Thank you very much for taking the time to share your insights with us. Thank you.

Salvi: Thank you very much.

During the interview, we truly felt Prime Minister Salvi's gratitude to China for providing sincere assistance based on the actual needs of Vanuatu for a long time, and also felt his hope for further cooperation between the two countries in areas such as infrastructure construction and green development. In the future, we look forward to strengthening dialogue and communication between the two countries, deepening pragmatic cooperation, upgrading the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and building a community with a shared future for China and Vanuatu in the new era.