1.Bilateral political relations

ChinaandVanuatuestablished diplomatic relations onMarch 26, 1982.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have developed smoothly.In February 1983, the first Chinese ambassador (concurrently) arrived inVanuatuto present his credentials.In 1989,Chinaset up its embassy inVanuatuand sent resident personnel there.In July 1991,China's resident ambassador took office.Vanuatusent (roving) ambassador toChinatwice, one in June 1982 and another in September 1986, to present credentials.In 1996,Vanuatuappointed an honorary consul inHong Kong.In August 1999,Vanuatuset up an honorary consulate inBeijing.

Visitors from China to Vanuatu include: Peng Chong, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, (in August 1992); Wang Hanbin, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, (in October 1996); Luo Gan, State Councillor and Secretary General of the State Council, (in July 1993); Zhu Qizhen, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, (in April 1988); Liu Huaqiu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, (in July 1990); Lu Xuejian, Vice Minister of Foreign Economic Cooperation and Trade, (in 1990); Wang Wendong, Vice Minister of Foreign Economic Cooperation and Trade, (in September 1992); Liu Shanzai, Vice Minister of Foreign Economic Cooperation and Trade, (in May 1997); Wan Baorui, Vice Minister of Agriculture, (in August 2001); Yang Jeichi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, (in September 1995); He Xiaowei, Assistant Minister of Foreign Economic Cooperation and Trade, (in February 2001); Zhou Wenzhong, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, (in August 2001); and Zhang Zhijun, Deputy Secretary General of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, (in March 2000).

Visitors from Vanuatu to China include:President George Ati Sokomanu (in December 1987); President Fred Timakata (in October 1990); Prime Minister Walter Hardye Lini (in July 1983); Prime Minister Maxime Carlot Korman (in March 1993 and June 1994); Prime Minister Serge Vohor (in January 1997); Prime Minister Barak Tarne Sope (in November 2000); Onneyn Tahi, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, (in June 1991); Boulekon, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, (in November 1991);Maseng, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, (in August 1994); Willi Jimmy, Deputy Prime Minister, (in August 1999); Serge Vohor, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Commerce, (in September 2001 and April 2002); Donald Kalpokas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, (in July 1990); Serge Vohor, Foreign Minister, (in May 2000 for a private visit); Chief Grand Justice, (in April 1994 and August 1995); Telukluk, Minister of Resources, (in July 1992); Minister of Education, (in November 1994); Walter Hardye Lini, Minister of Justice, (in August 1997); Willi Posen, Minister of Agriculture, Quarantine, Forestry and Fishery, (in October 2001); Leo, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, (in January 1999); Sato Kilman, Minister of Planning for Overall Government Reform, (In September 2000); and Donald Kalpokas,Minister of Health, (in September 2002).

2.Bilateral economic and trade relations

In 2002, the total volume of the bilateral trade was US$1.671 million, a year-on-year increase of 13.6%.Of that,China's export was US$1.406 million, a year-on-year growth of 22.2%, while its import was US$265,000, a year-on-year drop of 17.5%.China's main exports are garments, shoes, textiles, medicines, foods and light industrial products, and its imports are mainly plants to be used for killing insects and bacteria, as well as buttons and sown timber.

3.Exchanges in the fields of science and technology, culture and sports, and health

In July 1998 and December 1999, a Chinese acrobatic group arrived inVanuatufor visit and performance.In July 2002, the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe visitedVanuatuand gave performance.

In 1999, there were three students fromVanuatuwho were studying inChinawith scholarships provided by the Chinese Government.

Beginning from 1996,Chinahas sent table tennis coaches toVanuatuto train local players.

Since 1985,Chinahas sent 8 dentists' teams and 3 medical teams toVanuatuone after the other.

In June 1994,Shanghaiand Port Villa entered into cities of friendship.

4.Major bilateral agreements

OnMarch 26, 1982, the Joint Communiquébetween the People's Republic of China and theRepublicofVanuatuon the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.

In February 1990, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of theRepublicofVanuatuon Economic and Technical Cooperation.

In September 1992, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic China and the Government of theRepublicofVanuatuon Economic and Technical Cooperation.

In July 1993, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of theRepublicofVanuatuon Economic and Technical Cooperation.

In January 1994, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of theRepublicofVanuatuon Economic and Technical Cooperation.

In January 1997, the Trade Agreement between the Government of the People' Republic ofChinaand the Government of theRepublicofVanuatu.

In August 1999, the Agreement of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of theRepublicofVanuatuon Economic and Technical Cooperation.