Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka held a meeting with His Excellency Li Qiang, the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, in Beijing yesterday. This significant encounter reinforced the long-standing relationship between Fiji and China, which is built on shared goals and mutual interests, establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership marked by trust and respect.
Upon his arrival at the Great Hall of the People, Prime Minister Rabuka was welcomed by a guard of honor consisting of 130 personnel from the People’s Liberation Army. During the discussions, he expressed gratitude on behalf of the Fijian delegation to the Chinese government and its people for the warm reception they received, highlighting the overwhelming hospitality.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the One China Policy, which underpins their diplomatic ties, mentioning that China has been a steadfast partner for Fiji during challenging times in 1987, 2000, and 2006 when other traditional allies turned away.
The leaders focused on key areas including poverty alleviation, infrastructure developments such as land and maritime connectivity, the Belt and Road Initiative, and rural revitalization. PM Rabuka emphasized Fiji’s intention to embark on a comprehensive infrastructure development plan in collaboration with China to enhance the country’s infrastructure in the coming years.
He recognized China’s support through the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) for upgrading 82 kilometers of the road network in Vanua Levu as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to regionalism by implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, aiming to address common challenges like climate change, ocean preservation, and conflict resolution.
PM Rabuka also acknowledged China’s contributions towards the Sustainable Development Goals through the Global Development Initiative (GDI). In response, Premier Li reiterated China’s commitment to supporting shared interests, especially in poverty reduction and infrastructure development.
The Premier stressed that China will enhance its cooperation with Fiji, focusing on the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative and advancing the Global Development Initiative. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the meeting, emphasizing their shared commitment to strengthening the robust and lasting relationship between China and Fiji.