China has pledged to open its markets to more products from Pacific Island nations, increase economic assistance and step up support for their fight against climate change as the US retreats from the largely impoverished but strategically contested region.

Hosting foreign ministers from 11 Pacific Island countries in Xiamen, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi promised $2mn to combat climate change in the region and offered to accelerate negotiations for bilateral trade deals under which the region could export more to China.

Since President Donald Trump took office in January, the US has drastically cut its foreign aid assistance to poorer countries, increased tariffs globally and retreated from climate negotiations — a move seen as offering an opportunity to China.