Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emphasized the robust relationship between Fiji and China, founded on mutual trust and respect for each nation’s aspirations and sovereignty. This affirmation follows a meeting between Prime Minister Rabuka and President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both leaders committed to enhancing bilateral relations.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed admiration for China’s achievements and its increasing influence under President Xi’s leadership, acknowledging the strong ties that have developed over the past 49 years. The two leaders explored opportunities to leverage their respective strengths to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure development, agriculture, fisheries, education, sports, tourism, and poverty alleviation, all framed within the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative to promote shared growth.
As his official visit to China concluded, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to President Xi and the Chinese government for their warm hospitality, noting his admiration for China’s transformation over the last three decades under President Xi’s strategic and visionary leadership.
He also reiterated Fiji’s commitment to the One China Principle, which serves as the foundation of their diplomatic relations and has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership characterized by mutual respect and shared developmental goals. In a gesture of goodwill, the Prime Minister extended an invitation for President Xi to visit Fiji, which was accepted.
Responding, President Xi highlighted the importance of China-Fiji relations and expressed China’s ongoing support for Fiji’s economic and social development. He noted that Fiji was the first Pacific island nation to establish diplomatic ties with China, emphasizing the mutual support shared by both countries over 49 years of friendship.
President Xi also provided updates on the successes of China’s poverty alleviation efforts during the meeting, particularly in the Yunnan, Fujian, and Zhejiang provinces, which Prime Minister Rabuka had visited. He pointed out the historic accomplishment of building a moderately prosperous society for over 1.4 billion people, achieved under the guidance of the Communist Party of China.
Furthermore, President Xi mentioned China’s commitment to becoming a stronger nation and revitalizing the Chinese people through a path of peaceful development. He assured that as a member of the Global South, China is ready to assist Fiji and other Pacific island nations in tackling climate change and enhancing development collaboration, with the aim of transforming the Pacific Ocean into a region characterized by peace, friendship, and cooperation.