China's Premier Pushes for Enhanced Belt and Road Collaboration with Mongolia and the Cook Islands

During separate meetings held in Harbin amidst the closing ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games, Premier Li Qiang reiterated China's commitment to a more vigorous Belt and Road cooperation, especially with Mongolia and the Cook Islands. Meeting with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, Li highlighted the longstanding friendship between China and Mongolia and stressed that deepening ties through shared development could bring significant benefits to both nations. He pointed out the importance of aligning development strategies and enhancing cooperation in areas such as mineral resources, energy, infrastructure, as well as in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and green development. Li also called for stronger political mutual trust and a deepening of collaboration to address regional and global challenges.

In a separate discussion with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, Li emphasized the equal and mutually beneficial nature of the relationship between China and the Cook Islands. He affirmed that China's support extends to smaller nations as well, advocating for cooperation in sectors including maritime affairs, infrastructure, agriculture, and fisheries. Li noted that China aims to boost imports of high-quality goods from the Cook Islands, promote tourism, and further its stance on fair global climate governance by adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Brown reciprocated by expressing appreciation for China’s long-term support and reiterated the Cook Islands’ commitment to a stable, friendly relationship with China, emphasizing the need to work together in various fields while also addressing the challenges posed by climate change.