As Fiji and China mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, Minister for Defence, Pio Tikoduadua says they acknowledge and value every opportunity to deepen understanding, broaden engagement and collaborate in ways that are consistent with our values and aspirations to support a sovereign, island nation.
While speaking during celebrations to mark the 98th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army at the Chinese Embassy, Tikoduadua says the Government of Fiji was one of the first countries in the world to recognise China as an independent nation and the One China Policy.
He has also reiterated and reassured China position of the Fijian government on the One China Policy.
Tikoduadua says Fiji and China enjoy a longstanding relationship built on mutual respect, non interference, and capital cooperation.
The Minister says Fiji and China defence relationship has focused on peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, training exchanges and capacity building and these areas reflect their shared commitment to global peace and regional stability.
He says as a Pacific island nation, Fiji continues to engage with all its partners in the spirit of goodwill and constructive cooperation.
The Minister says their purpose has always been and remains on safeguarding the people, supporting multilateralism, and contributing positively to the maintenance of peace.
He says in this regard, Fiji is grateful to the PLA's vast support in our peacekeeping operations and the professional development of our officers.
Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian says over the past 50 years, regardless of changes in the international landscape, China has always firmly supported Fiji in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and supported Fiji in exploring a development path that suits its national conditions.
He says looking ahead to the new "Golden 50 Years," China’s commitment to supporting Fiji’s development and rejuvenation remains unchanged, and its position on addressing climate change challenges remains unchanged.
Jian says the ship of China-Fiji cooperation will surely "set sail to cross the vast ocean" and head towards a bright future of common prosperity.
He says military-to-military relations are an important part of China-Fiji bilateral relations.
The Ambassador says both militaries are willing to respect each other’s core interests, exchange experience in military capacity building, and carry out fruitful cooperation, which will surely make greater contributions to peace and stability in the Pacific region and beyond.
Jian has also reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Fiji’s sovereignty and development, stating that China has never invaded, provoked, or imposed on any Pacific island country.
He says claims that China is establishing military bases in the Pacific are completely groundless and misrepresent China’s intentions, adding that China’s presence in the region is about building roads and bridges—not bases.
On Taiwan, he emphasised that it has never been a country—past, present or future—and that any attempts to push for “Taiwan independence” will only lead to failure.
He says efforts by external forces to “use Taiwan to contain China” are misguided and unsustainable, and reaffirmed that China will eventually be reunified.
The Ambassador also raised concerns about what he describes as protectionist actions by some countries, including the imposition of high tariffs and the use of long-arm jurisdiction, which he says directly impact the livelihoods of Pacific people.
He says such actions bypass the United Nations Security Council and are contributing to a growing development gap between the Global North and South.
Jian adds China firmly supports the multilateral trading system led by the World Trade Organization, and is ready to work with Pacific Island countries through initiatives like the Belt and Road and the Global Development Initiative, to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
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