Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed his support for the One China Policy, describing it as a foundational aspect of Fiji’s diplomatic relations. During a meeting with Li Qiang, the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, in Beijing, Rabuka noted that China provided crucial support to Fiji during periods of political upheaval in 1987, 2000, and 2006, when other traditional partners distanced themselves.
The discussions between the two leaders centered on key focus areas, including poverty alleviation, infrastructure development that encompasses both land and maritime connectivity, the Belt and Road Initiative, and rural revitalization efforts. Rabuka underscored Fiji’s intention to implement a comprehensive infrastructure development program with China aimed at significantly upgrading the country’s infrastructure in the coming years.
In relation to the Belt and Road Initiative, Rabuka praised the assistance from the China International Development Cooperation Agency in upgrading the 82-kilometer road network in Vanua Levu. Furthermore, he expressed Fiji’s commitment to regionalism by supporting the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which seeks to address shared challenges such as climate change, ocean preservation, and conflict resolution.
Premier Li responded by reaffirming China’s ongoing support for Fiji in shared areas of interest, particularly poverty alleviation and infrastructure development. He also highlighted China’s intention to enhance cooperation with Fiji through the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as by promoting the Global Development Initiative.