China has consistently viewed Fiji as a key partner for cooperation in the South Pacific. This sentiment was reiterated by Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a meeting with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing on Sunday.
Premier Li emphasized that Fiji was the first Pacific island nation to establish diplomatic relations with China. In response, Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted that Fiji values its relationship with China as a dependable partnership, supporting the one-China principle, the Belt and Road Initiative, and various other collaborative initiatives.
Rabuka expressed Fiji’s eagerness to enhance cooperation with China across multiple sectors, including economy and trade, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and connectivity, to create new opportunities for their bilateral relationship.
Li reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Fijians in following their chosen path of development and expressed readiness to collaborate with Fiji in fulfilling mutual agreements established between the two countries’ leaders.
“China will remain a true friend to Fiji, fostering trust and support between us, facilitating exchanges at all levels, and advancing the robust development of our comprehensive strategic partnership to benefit both peoples,” Li stated.
He also noted that both nations should capitalize on their complementary strengths to enhance collaboration in infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, light industry, education, tourism, and poverty alleviation through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
Additionally, Li mentioned that China would increase imports from Fiji and encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in the country. China also supports Pacific Island nations in adhering to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and aims to work closely with Fiji and other island nations to advance the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative.
The underlying objective is to foster a fair and balanced multipolar world that promotes inclusive global economic growth.