China’s ambassador to Fiji, Zhou Jian, has made a compelling appeal for Fiji to collaborate with China in defending the global trade rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. At a press conference, Ambassador Zhou described the situation as a critical moment for nations, particularly smaller economies like Fiji, to unite against what he termed “economic bullying” from the U.S., especially following President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of higher tariffs on various countries, with China facing the sharpest increases.
Ambassador Zhou emphasized that while Fiji maintains its sovereignty to make independent decisions, it is crucial for Pacific nations to rally together in support of fair trade practices. He condemned the unilateral actions of the U.S., warning that they threaten a fair global trading system and could plunge the world back into a state of “jungle law” where the strong oppress the weak. To counteract this, he outlined three key strategies for cooperation among China and Pacific island nations: defending the WTO-focused multilateral trading system, resisting economic bullying, and enhancing economic collaboration in traditional sectors such as trade and aquaculture, while also exploring new industries like energy and communication.
Further reflecting on the issue, Ambassador Zhou claimed that the U.S. must demonstrate a commitment to treating other nations with equality and dignity if it wishes to engage meaningfully in trade discussions. He invited Fiji to strengthen its trade relationships with China, highlighting the immense market potential that China presents for Fijian products. With over 1.4 billion consumers, China is keen to import more from Fiji, such as their well-regarded bottled water and other agricultural products.
The comments from Ambassador Zhou echo sentiments expressed in previous articles, where the need for Fiji to diversify its economic partnerships in light of U.S. trade pressures was emphasized. Despite the challenges posed by tariffs, there remains an optimistic outlook as Fiji’s government actively seeks out new economic opportunities to mitigate the adverse impacts. This openness to collaboration and exploration of new frontiers presents a hopeful path for both Fiji and China, potentially leading to enhanced economic resilience and prosperity for the Pacific island nation in a challenging global landscape.
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