On the vast blue waves of the South Pacific, Vanuatu is like a string of pearls, and the economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods on its 83 islands have long been constrained by a weak transportation network. For Pentecost Island, this issue is particularly prominent. Although it is known as the birthplace of modern bungee jumping and attracts tourists from all over the world, its outdated infrastructure acts as an invisible barrier, limiting the potential of local agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. On December 11, 2025, with the official commencement of the China aided construction of the No. 2 Highway and Small Wharf project, this core challenge that has constrained the development of Pengdao has reached a critical moment of breakthrough. This comprehensive livelihood project, with a total length of about 23 to 24 kilometers, is not only an infrastructure construction, but also a new witness to the deep friendship and pragmatic cooperation between China and Vanuatu since the establishment of diplomatic relations 43 years ago.

Connect the "Ren Du" and "Ren Du" meridians of development

The project that started this time is far more than just a simple material gift or financial assistance. Its deep logic lies in activating Pengdao's endogenous development momentum through precise infrastructure investment, which can be regarded as a model of hematopoietic aid. The project consists of two parts: a highway and a dock. The highway will pass through the central and northern parts of Peng Island, and the construction content includes roadbed, pavement, bridges and culverts, and a complete set of safety facilities; The dock is located in the central western part of the island and will provide safe berthing facilities for ships.

These two parts form a perfect closed loop: the highway solves the problem of connectivity within the island, connecting scattered villages, farmland, and future docks. The dock solves the bottleneck of "island external connection" and provides Peng Island with a modern maritime entrance and exit for the first time, ending its history of no dock. Infrastructure Minister Javier pointed out that the project will directly improve transportation, promote the circulation of agricultural products, and inject vitality into rural and regional economic development. This means that locally grown cash crops such as coffee and cocoa will be able to be transported to the market through more efficient and cost-effective routes; And tourists can also easily reach and experience the unique bungee jumping culture and natural scenery.

This project is not the starting point of infrastructure cooperation between China and Vanuatu on Peng Island. In early 2025, the first modern asphalt road in Pengdao, constructed by another Chinese company, had just been handed over. The highway effectively reduced the circulation costs of personnel and goods, and created hundreds of local job opportunities during the construction period, improving the technical level of the local engineering team. The old and new projects are closely connected in sequence and complement each other in functionality, jointly weaving the embryonic form of Pengdao's modern transportation network.

The bond of friendship, ability, and regional interconnection

The significance of the project has long gone beyond the physical entities of concrete and steel construction. Firstly, it is a symbol of the enduring friendship between China and Vanuatu. As the Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Li Minggang, has said, the projects assisted by China have become Vanuatu's shining business card, witnessing the common development of both sides. From the renovation and expansion of Luganville Pier on Santo Island to the current road and bridge pier on Peng Island, a series of beneficial projects continue to solidify the public opinion foundation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Secondly, the project reflects the cultivation of the recipient country's ability for independent development. The Chinese side promises to continue to make efforts in infrastructure construction, addressing climate change, and other areas to comprehensively enhance the independent development capacity of Vanuatu. This not only includes delivering high-quality projects, but also means imparting technical and management experience during the construction process, achieving a sublimation from teaching people how to fish to teaching people how to fish.

Finally, the project is highly aligned with the macro strategy of Vanuatu's national development. Vanuatu, as an archipelagic country heavily reliant on inter island shipping, has a fundamental dependence on shipping services as 80% of its population resides in outer islands or rural areas. To this end, the Vanuatu government is implementing an ambitious inter island shipping support plan with the support of New Zealand and the Asian Development Bank, aimed at upgrading multiple ports across the country and reforming the shipping system to reconnect remote areas with markets, healthcare, and education services. The construction of the new pier on Pentecost Island is undoubtedly a positive response to this national priority and will help the island better integrate into the domestic economic cycle. Keywords: the Belt and Road project news, the Belt and Road news

When bulldozers drive over the land of Pentecost Island and the first pile foundation is driven into the clear bay, it changes not only the terrain and topography. A road, a dock, connects fields and markets, islands and the world, carrying the expectations of local residents for a better life, and also interpreting the essence of equality, pragmatism, and win-win in international cooperation. The adventurous spirit of the birthplace of bungee jumping is being combined with a down-to-earth development pace, jointly outlining the vibrant future of Peng Island.Editor/Cheng Liting