In a recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley W. Simina held on April 9, 2024 (Beijing Time), the ancient cultural heritage of Pingtan Island, Fujian Province, took center stage. President Xi's mention of the "shell mound culture" on Pingtan Island stirred enthusiasm, highlighting the island's significance in international cultural exchanges.

Pingtan Island, particularly renowned for its shell mound culture, has become a hub for archaeological discoveries and research on the origins of the Austronesian family. According to Deputy Director Hou Ronggui of the Pingtan International Austronesian Research Institute, President Xi's speech has bolstered confidence in advancing Austronesian archaeology.

Local scholars and enthusiasts, like doctoral candidate Xu Guirong and cultural advocate Wang Maoqing, expressed their commitment to delving into Austronesian culture. Xu remarked, "We are inspired to deepen our archaeological research and enhance cultural exchanges with Taiwan and abroad."

Archaeological Restoration Vessel Display Cabinet at the Pingtan International Research Center for Austronesian Archaeology

Pingtan's shell mound sites, including Xiyin, Keqiutou, Donghuaqiu, and Guishan, offer vital clues to unraveling the origins andmigration of the Austronesian family. Recent excavations have unearthed ancient rice remains and early housing structures, shedding light on Pingtan's ancient communities that once inhabited the island and their connections to Southeast Asia.

The Austronesian family, comprising groups using languages from the Austronesian language family, is spread across hundreds of islands from the South Pacific to the Indian Ocean, covering a population of up to 400 million. Research on the origin and migration of the Austronesian family has been a subject of great interest in the international academic circle in recent years, with experts and scholars conducting research from linguistic, archaeological, ethnological, and others.

Conceptual design of Keqiutou Site Museum in Pingtan

Pingtan's archaeological efforts have garnered international recognition, with its shell mound sites being hailed as some of China's top archaeological discoveries in 2023. Efforts are underway to transform these sites into cultural attractions, with plans for museums and educational facilities.

China - Pacific Island Countries Cooperation Symposium on Marine Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation held in Pingtan in 2023

Pingtan's strategic location and rich cultural heritage have positioned it as a gateway for maritime cooperation with Pacific Island nations. Through initiatives like the China-Pacific Island Countries Ministerial Roundtable and forums on disaster relief cooperation, Pingtan is forging new partnerships and contributing to the Belt and Road Initiative.

As Pingtan Island opens its doors to the world, it seeks to not only preserve its ancient past but also to build bridges of friendship and cooperation across the Pacific Ocean.