Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emphasized the robust relationship between Fiji and China, which is founded on mutual trust and respect for each other’s aspirations and sovereignty. This affirmation followed a meeting between the Prime Minister and President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Rabuka praised China’s achievements and expanding influence under President Xi’s leadership, noting the strong ties developed over the past 49 years. The leaders talked about the importance of utilizing their respective strengths to strengthen collaboration in areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, fisheries, education, sports, tourism, and poverty alleviation under the high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation framework aimed at promoting shared development.
As his official visit to China came to an end, the Prime Minister thanked President Xi and the Chinese government for their warm hospitality, expressing admiration for China’s transformation over the last three decades under Xi’s visionary leadership.
Rabuka also reiterated Fiji’s commitment to the One China Principle, which is the foundation of their diplomatic relationship, now evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership built on mutual respect and common development. He extended an invitation for President Xi to visit Fiji, which was accepted.
In response, President Xi affirmed the importance of China-Fiji relations and expressed China’s willingness to continue aiding Fiji’s economic and social development. He highlighted Fiji’s status as the first Pacific island nation to establish diplomatic relations with China and noted the longstanding mutual support between the two countries over their 49 years of friendship.
During their meeting, President Xi briefed Prime Minister Rabuka on his recent visits to Yunnan, Fujian, and Zhejiang provinces, where Rabuka observed China’s achievements in poverty alleviation. Xi described the establishment of a moderately prosperous society for over 1.4 billion people as a historic achievement under the Chinese Communist Party’s leadership.
Additionally, President Xi stated that China is striving for national rejuvenation through peaceful development and, as a member of the Global South, is ready to support Fiji and other Pacific island nations in tackling climate change and enhancing development cooperation, with the goal of making the Pacific Ocean a region characterized by peace, friendship, and collaboration.