The relationship between the United States and China has significant implications for the Asia-Pacific region, according to Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). He expressed these views while participating in the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in China last week, alongside Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua.
Major-General Kalouniwai emphasized that Fiji’s future, along with other Pacific Island nations, is closely linked to the interactions between the two powerful countries. He noted that the dynamics between the U.S. and China will impact not just the South Pacific but the wider Asia-Pacific area as a whole. A favorable relationship between these nations could lead to peace and prosperity for small countries like Fiji. Conversely, rising tensions could threaten long-term stability and increase the risk of conflict.
He pointed out that the interdependence of the U.S. and China’s economies is evident and has generally been handled well in everyday interactions. However, as China’s influence grows, so do the underlying rivalries, making it crucial to reflect on the future direction of their relationship. Major-General Kalouniwai raised important questions about whether these nations will find a way to coexist peacefully or if they might slide into strategic competition or hostility.
According to him, the critical decisions made in Washington and Beijing over the coming months and years will be pivotal, with both peace and conflict remaining possible outcomes. He highlighted the urgency of America’s approach to China, as escalating rivalry could have disastrous effects and alter global power structures.
Additionally, Major-General Kalouniwai acknowledged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s promotion of the concept of a Zone of Peace for the South Pacific. He indicated that this concept is closely aligned with the broader goal of fostering peace and stability in the face of geopolitical challenges. The Zone of Peace emphasizes principles such as non-aggression, non-interference, and peaceful dispute resolution, creating a framework for trust, cooperation, and security among nations in the region. By adhering to these principles, he believes that countries can lay the foundation for lasting peace and prosperity in the South Pacific.