Frontline insights into China's diplomatic progress; youth delegation gains valuable experience at Chinese Embassy in Vanuatu

Today, a GX delegation led 12 university students from Hong Kong and mainland China to visit the Chinese Embassy in Vanuatu. Ambassador LI Ming-gang warmly welcomed the students and, drawing from his diplomatic experience, delivered an engaging presentation on China's relations with Pacific Island nations, developments under the Belt and Road Initiative, the daily work of diplomats, and opportunities for Hong Kong youth to contribute to national diplomacy and development. He thoroughly addressed all student inquiries during the interactive session. Ambassador LI particularly encouraged Hong Kong students to capitalise on their unique global perspectives through dedicated study, empowering them to contribute their youthful energy to the nation's progress.

The Joint Statement from the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting, released in May this year, outlined seven priority cooperation areas including emergency supplies reserves, climate change response, poverty reduction, and disaster prevention/mitigation - all to be tailored to each nation's specific needs. For Vanuatu, where cyclones and earthquakes pose constant threats to public safety, these cooperative measures carry vital importance.

Against this backdrop, mainland and Hong Kong university students actively participated in relief efforts, distributing disaster preparedness kits (containing flashlights, hand-crank radios, whistles and first-aid supplies) across Vanuatu's villages to enhance local emergency response capacity. This initiative not only broadened participants' global awareness but also strengthened cross-border youth collaboration in international affairs, positioning them at the vanguard of China's "people-to-people connectivity".

TAM Cheuk-yin, Victor, a student from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, reflected: "This embassy visit has reshaped my career aspirations. As an upcoming epidemiology master's graduate, I'm determined to contribute to public health cooperation between China and Belt and Road countries after graduation." Another participant, CHAN Pui-ying, Arlette, shared: "During our two-hour discussion, the Ambassador's explanation of the Belt and Road Initiative's commitment to developing nations deeply moved me - it perfectly embodies China's diplomatic principles of equality and peaceful development."