China's Premier Wen Jiabao has announced a new package of aid to Pacific countries including loans for industry development, training programs and anti-malaria medicines.
Mr Wen was opening the first China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in Nadi.
He is the first Chinese premier to visit the Pacific Islands and he said the fostering of relations with the region was not a matter of political expediency.
He says it is a strategic decision and China will continue to prove itself a sincere, trustworthy and reliable friend and partner of the Pacific island countries.
