FSM Information Services
Press Release
After 30 Years of FSM-China Partnership, President Panuelo Calls for “Even more fruitful relations going into the future”
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On September 11th 2019, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the People’s Republic of China (China) formally reached 30 years of diplomatic relations. On the same day, the 30th anniversary was celebrated at the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition in Beijing, China, and on September 13th the 30th anniversary was celebrated at Mangrove Bay, Pohnpei. Both His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the FSM, and His Excellency Huang Zheng, Ambassador of China, gave brief remarks highlighting the 30 years of friendship, which are based on shared values of respect and mutual cooperation towards improving the lives of the citizens who call these great nations home. Also in attendance were the Honorable Wesley W. Simina, Speaker of the 21st Congress of the FSM, former Presidents Emanuel “Manny” Mori and Joseph J. Urusemal, various members of the 21st Congress of the FSM, and members of the diplomatic corps and friends.
“Since establishing diplomatic ties 30 years ago, our two Governments and Peoples have enjoyed a friendly and productive relationship,” President Panuelo said. “The One China Policy is the bedrock of the FSM’s overall bilateral relationship with China, as I have stated many times before.”
“Our Nation cannot forget the strong Chinese support for the FSM’s membership in the United Nations…in 1991, which was key support for international recognition when other friends were hesitant to take the lead in supporting our independent and sovereign right,” the President continued. “For that, we respect China and are always grateful for your sincere support.”
It was an action of the United Nations Security Council, of which China is a permanent member, that allowed the FSM to rightfully gain its full sovereignty and independence. “Some countries took [the position] that we [were] not independent…but the FSM has the right to delegate the responsibility of defense to a close ally, [the United States of America], and we appreciate China’s key role in supporting our sovereignty.”
Over the past 30 years of diplomatic relations and friendship, China has supported the FSM in areas big and small. Highly visible examples include the Chuuk State Government Complex, the Pohnpei Pilot Farm, tackling coconut tree disease in Yap State, and building gymnasiums across the country; some current and future examples include the construction and paving of roads and bridges in Pohnpei, the Convention Center in Palikir, and the replacement for the Hapilmohol-1. But arguably even more crucially, China has demonstrated to the FSM and its people legitimately sincere peace, friendship, cooperation, and love in our common humanity.
China stands with the United States of America, Japan, and Australia as one of the FSM’s closest friends and allies, and it is the hope of the FSM National Government that all peoples and nations will demonstrate the values on our National seal—Peace, Unity, and Liberty—and, through genuine respect, empathy, and compassion for others, make the World a better place for all people, regardless of who they are or where they are from.
“With those few words, Ambassador Huang,” President Panuelo said, “…may I ask that you please stand and join me in proposing a toast: to the thirty years of long-lasting friendship between the FSM and China, and to even more fruitful relations going in the future. Gambei [Cheers] and…Xie Xie [thank you].”
