China has consistently viewed Fiji as a key partner in cooperation within the South Pacific region. This sentiment was emphasized by Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Sunday in Beijing.
Premier Li noted that Fiji holds the distinction of being the first Pacific Island nation to form diplomatic relations with China. Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged that Fiji sees China as a dependable ally, committed to the one-China principle and supportive of initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
Rabuka expressed Fiji’s eagerness to strengthen collaboration with China across various sectors, including the economy, trade, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and connectivity, with the aim of expanding the scope of their bilateral relationship.
Li reaffirmed China’s steadfast support for the Fijian people’s chosen development path and expressed readiness to collaborate with Fiji to implement the mutual agreements established between their respective leaders.
“China will remain a true friend to Fiji, fostering trust, support, and enhanced exchanges at all levels, while promoting the steady advancement of our comprehensive strategic partnership to benefit both peoples,” Li stated.
He further suggested that the two nations should capitalize on their complementary strengths and advance cooperation on infrastructure, agriculture and fisheries, light industry, education, tourism, and poverty alleviation within the framework of high-quality Belt and Road initiatives.
Li also indicated that China plans to import more Fiji products and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji. He reiterated China’s support for Pacific Island countries in aligning with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and expressed commitment to collaborating with Fiji and other island nations to advance the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative.
The overarching aim is to foster a just and balanced multipolar world while promoting inclusive global economic growth.