Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is urging all Pacific Island nations to develop a balanced understanding with China. In remarks made to the media during his visit to Tonga, Rabuka emphasized the need to eliminate fears related to international relations.
He indicated that a peaceful region is one free from fear, where foreign affairs do not hinder cooperation among nations regarding their territories and powers. Rabuka noted that China is aware of the Pacific’s needs and respects its sovereignty.
Reflecting on his recent trip to China, he mentioned that people in the region have been living in fear for an extended period and should seek to understand China better, similar to the understanding many have developed regarding the United States due to longstanding relations.
“I have returned from China and perhaps we have been living under fear for too long,” Rabuka observed. “We need to understand China. We know America better because of our prolonged association. However, China has only recently opened up, and we must work toward understanding them.”
When questioned about China’s influence in the Pacific, Rabuka acknowledged that it suggests China’s strategic importance to the region and its significance on the global stage.
Currently, Mr. Rabuka is in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, attending the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting, which is set to commence today.