On September 1, 2005, Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang met with the visiting joint press delegation of South Pacific island countries.

Shen said that the friendly relation between China and South Pacific island countries enjoys a long history. The press and media from South Pacific island countries organized a 2nd joint delegation to visit China after 2 years, which will be conducive to promoting the exchanges and cooperation between the press of the two countries, enhancing the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and propelling the comprehensive development of relations between China and South Pacific island countries.

Shen expressed the hope that the reporters have an on-site knowledge of what has happened since China's reform and opening up and then make an objective coverage of what they see in China to the people in the South Pacific.

Shen also answered the questions put forward by reporters concerning the relationship between China and South Pacific island countries, bilateral economic and trade cooperation, the Taiwan question and other topics.

Aiavao, Head of the press delegation and Media Officer of the Secretariat of Pacific Island Countries thanked China for the invitation, saying that the news agencies will have a comprehensive coverage of their visit to China.