Academician Jian LIN, Director of the Advanced Institute for Ocean Research (AIOR) at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) and Head of the Shenzhen Ocean University Preparatory Office, led a delegation to the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Fiji to advance a new model of international cooperation in the South Pacific integrating scientific research, higher education, and industry.

The delegation paid a visit to the Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Tonga

In Tonga, the delegation paid a call on Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita, Honorary Chairperson of the Pacific-China Friendship Association. The delegation also held meetings with the Minister of Education and the Minister of Fisheries of Tonga and visited Tonga National University and related friendship associations.

Through in-depth discussions, both sides reached several important consensuses. They agreed to jointly build the “International Pacific Ocean Research Center” and the “International Young Scientists Pacific Research Alliance.” The parties also discussed facilitating the establishment of representative offices in Shenzhen for Tonga National University and the Pacific-China Friendship Association. Cooperation in intelligent monitoring technologies for fishery resources was identified as a priority area to support sustainable fisheries management.

The delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Fiji

During their visit to the Republic of Fiji, the delegation visited the Chinese Embassy. There they reached cooperation agreements with universities such as the University of Fiji to jointly establish laboratories in areas such as marine science and technology and new energy technology, and to promote exchanges between young scientists and students. At the same time, the delegation connected with Chinese enterprises stationed in Fiji in fields such as green energy, maritime transportation, and fisheries.

The South Pacific, as a key region for global climate change, features unique submarine topography and has long been a focus of research for Chinese scientists. According to reports, the “Deep Blue Voyager 2035” global scientific expedition plan, led by institutions including SUSTech’s AIOR, has officially been approved as a contribution to the United Nations “Decade of Ocean Science.” In the spring of 2026, the research vessel Xiangyanghong 10 will make its maiden visit to Fiji and Tonga, focusing on major ocean science issues to provide solid technological support for regional sustainable development.