China has consistently viewed Fiji as a key partner for cooperation in the South Pacific region. This sentiment was emphasized by Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing on Sunday.
Premier Li noted that Fiji was the first Pacific Island nation to establish diplomatic relations with China. In response, Prime Minister Rabuka expressed Fiji’s strong perception of China as a reliable partner, affirming the country’s commitment to the one-China principle and support for initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
Rabuka further stated that Fiji is eager to enhance its cooperation with China in various sectors including economy and trade, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and connectivity, with the aim of expanding the bilateral partnership.
Li reiterated China’s unwavering support for the Fijian people in their chosen development path and expressed readiness to collaborate with Fiji to fulfill the mutual understandings reached by both nations’ leaders. He committed to fostering a genuine friendship between China and Fiji, characterized by trust and mutual support, and to enhance exchanges at all levels to promote a robust and steady development of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Premier highlighted the importance of leveraging the complementary strengths of both countries, with a focus on infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, light industry, education, tourism, and poverty alleviation, all under the initiative of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He also stated that China intends to import more Fijian products and encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji.
Li emphasized China’s support for Pacific Island nations in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Additionally, he announced that China would collaborate closely with Fiji and other island countries to advance the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative, aiming to foster a fair, balanced multipolar world and promote inclusive global economic growth.