China's Strategic Collaboration with Small Island Developing States: 200 Projects Since 2018

Since 2018, China has embarked on an ambitious collaboration with Small Island Developing States (SIDS), approving and implementing around 200 cooperation projects. These initiatives span critical areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure, medical services, and health, bringing tangible benefits to these vulnerable nations.

This extensive partnership was highlighted at the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, which took place in Antigua and Barbuda. The conference concluded with the adoption of The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), focusing on climate change, disaster risk reduction, environmental protection, biodiversity, energy transition, and the digital economy. The agenda aims to enhance the economic resilience and sustainable development of SIDS.

Why this matters: China's strategic collaboration with Small Island Developing States has significant implications for global economic development and sustainability. The success of these projects could lead to increased economic resilience and sustainable development for vulnerable nations, while also enhancing China's global influence.

Li Junhua, the UN under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs, emphasized the significance of China's contributions through the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative. "China has brought tangible benefits to people of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative," said Li.

Despite the progress, significant challenges persist for SIDS, including climate change, spiraling debt, and health crises. Li highlighted the need for increased international financing and investment in areas such as climate adaptation, disaster resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure projects. He stressed the importance of South-South cooperation and multilateral partnerships to support SIDS in overcoming these challenges.

Achim Steiner, head of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), underscored the critical role of China's partnership with SIDS. He noted that China can be a valuable partner in providing affordable technologies for renewable energy infrastructure, which is essential as SIDS currently spend approximately $3 billion or 3.3% of their GDP on importing fuel.

The UNDP has a longstanding tradition of supporting SIDS, having invested over $4 billion and mobilized financing resources for nearly 1,900 projects over the past decade. Steiner emphasized that the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and China's Global Development Initiative share common goals, making China a significant partner in the sustainable development of SIDS.

Steiner also highlighted the severe economic impact of extreme weather on SIDS, which suffered a loss of $153 billion from 1970 to 2020. He called on the international community to recognize the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS and to support them in transitioning to a blue-green economy through enhanced South-South cooperation.

To recap, China's collaboration with SIDS through various projects since 2018 has brought significant benefits, particularly in trade, investment, and infrastructure. However, the ongoing challenges faced by SIDS necessitate continued international support and cooperation to ensure their sustainable development and economic resilience.

Key Takeaways

• China has collaborated with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on 200 projects since 2018.
• The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS focuses on climate change, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.
• China's partnership with SIDS has brought tangible benefits, including economic resilience and sustainable development.
• SIDS still face challenges like climate change, debt, and health crises, requiring increased international financing and investment.
• South-South cooperation and multilateral partnerships are crucial to support SIDS in overcoming these challenges.