Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccines are unloaded at an airport in Honiara, Solomon Islands, April 11, 2021. /Xinhua

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China will set up a fund to help Pacific Island countries defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wang made the remarks at the first China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Beijing via video link.

Wang said the bilateral relationship between China and the Pacific Island countries has shown a good development momentum, and the comprehensive strategic partnership has continued to deepen.

Relations between the two sides are based on mutual respect and equity, Wang said.

He said China always respects the development paths chosen by the Pacific Island countries and sincerely hopes to help these countries develop their economy and improve local people's livelihoods.

Speaking of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wang said China will continue to help the Pacific Island countries fight against the virus by donating vaccines and establishing and sponsoring a China-Pacific Island countries fund.

Speaking of bilateral economic cooperation, Wang noted that China has signed cooperation documents for the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative with all 10 countries in the region that have built diplomatic relations with Beijing.

Both sides have successfully held three China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forums and jointly promoted numerous cooperative projects, he said.