Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent visit to Beijing, just a week prior to a gathering of Pacific leaders and development partners in Tonga, signals a refreshing move for Fiji. The trip has prompted Rabuka to advocate for a deeper understanding of China.
During the bilateral talks, President Xi Jinping voiced his support for Rabuka’s vision of an “Ocean of Peace,” addressing concerns regarding China’s growing influence in the region. However, Rabuka emphasized that the underlying issue at hand is the fear surrounding China’s presence, rather than China itself.
“Perhaps we have been living under fear for so long; we need to understand China. We have a better grasp of the United States because of our longer association,” Rabuka stated. He added that fostering friendships with China does not diminish ties with the United States and that any unease should not cause fear.
The Pacific Islands hold stewardship over the substantial resource of the Pacific Ocean, attracting interest from various nations, both traditional and emerging partners. Pacific leaders utilize forums to address matters like decolonization, development, climate financing, and geopolitical dynamics.
“China has only recently opened up; they have lived behind that bamboo wall for so long,” Rabuka remarked. “We shut them down and off. Now we need to engage and understand them.”
He stressed that foreign relations should respect the sovereignty of all nations involved. “We understand each other’s needs for development and our respect for sovereignty, and they understand us,” he noted.
Rabuka indicated that China’s participation in the upcoming forum meeting reflects its growing importance in the region, both in terms of its strategic interests and its visibility on the global stage.