China-Fiji trade grows to US$534M as Ambassador calls for deeper ties and rejects U.S. economic coercion

As longstanding trade partners, China and Fiji have seen robust growth in economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching US$526 million in 2023 and US$534 million in 2024, a 1.52 percent year-on-year increase.

Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian stated this today in response to the US tariffs and says building on the momentum of 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the outcomes of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to China, they must synergize China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Global Development Initiative with Fiji’s national strategies.

Jian says both sides should promote cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, trade, agriculture and fisheries.

He says they should also explore new frontiers like poverty alleviation, green development, and e-commerce.

The Ambassador says China will continue to expand imports of Fijian specialty goods, support Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji, and encourage tourists to visit Fiji.

He says China also remains committed to supporting Fiji’s development through projects like Juncao technology and rice planting technology.

Jian has reminded everyone that the U.S. represents just 13 percent of global trade with the remaining 87 period over 190 countries—hold vast potential for growth through cooperation.

He says strengthening China-Fiji collaboration and fostering shared progress is the strongest rebuttal to U.S. unilateralism and economic coercion.

The Ambassador says China is the world’s market and a source of opportunities for every country.

He says they will further expand the trade network, be an even stronger magnet for investment, and provide stability and positive energy to the world economy through high-quality development and high-standard opening up.

Jian says trade wars and protectionism benefit no one.

He says all countries must adhere to the principles of “extensive consultation, joint cooperation and shared benefits”, address differences through equality and dialogue.

The Ambassador says we should uphold the UN-centered international system, defend the World Trade Organisation-centered multilateral trading system, and collectively reject unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying.