Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reinforced the strong bond between Fiji and China, emphasizing their mutual trust and respect for each other’s goals and sovereignty. This commitment was reaffirmed during his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both leaders agreed to enhance bilateral relations.
During the discussions, Rabuka expressed his admiration for China’s progress and influence under Xi’s leadership, noting the 49-year history of their relationship. The two leaders emphasized the importance of leveraging their respective strengths to deepen collaboration in various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, education, sports, tourism, and poverty alleviation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at fostering shared development.
As his official visit to China came to a close, Rabuka thanked President Xi and the Chinese government for their warm hospitality, expressing his appreciation for China’s transformation over the last three decades under Xi’s strategic leadership.
Rabuka reiterated Fiji’s commitment to the One China Principle, which has been the foundation of their diplomatic ties, now evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect and shared growth. He extended an invitation to President Xi to visit Fiji, which was accepted.
In his response, President Xi emphasized the significance of China-Fiji relations and expressed China’s willingness to assist in Fiji’s economic and social development. He reminded that Fiji was the first Pacific island nation to establish diplomatic ties with China and noted the long-standing mutual support over 49 years of friendship.
Additionally, President Xi shared insights with Rabuka about China’s accomplishments in poverty alleviation during his recent visits to various provinces, highlighting the success of building a moderately prosperous society for over 1.4 billion people as a significant achievement by the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party.
Xi stated that China aims to strengthen itself and rejuvenate the nation through peaceful development, and he affirmed China’s readiness to support Fiji and other Pacific island nations in tackling climate change and enhancing development cooperation, with the goal of making the Pacific a region of peace and collaboration.