Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent visit to Beijing, just a week prior to the gathering of Pacific leaders and development partners in Tonga, may bring a refreshing perspective for Fiji. The trip has led the Prime Minister to advocate for a deeper understanding of China.
During the bilateral talks, President Xi Jinping expressed his backing for Rabuka’s initiative, the Ocean of Peace, amidst rising concerns regarding China’s growing influence in the region. Rabuka emphasized that the real issue at hand is fear, rather than China’s presence itself.
“We may have lived in fear for so long; it is important for us to understand China. Our understanding of the United States has developed over many years of closer association,” Rabuka stated. He further noted, “Being friends with China does not mean we cannot be friends with the United States. If some aren’t, that shouldn’t provoke fear.”
The Pacific Islands hold stewardship over the vast resources of the Pacific Ocean, which attracts interest from numerous countries, historically and more recently. Pacific leaders utilize forums to address pressing matters, such as decolonization, development, climate financing, and geopolitical dynamics.
Rabuka pointed out that China has only recently begun to engage openly with others after a long period of isolation. “We closed them off; now it is vital to engage with them and foster understanding,” he remarked.
He insisted that foreign relations must respect the sovereignty of various territories and powers. “We have a mutual understanding of our development needs and respect for sovereignty, and they recognize our stance,” Rabuka added.
He highlighted that China’s involvement in the forum signifies its strategic and international interest in the Pacific region.