The National Day celebration for the Republic of China (Taiwan) was held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva last night, ahead of the Double Tenth Day celebrations.
Speaking at the event, Taiwan Ambassador David Cheng-Wei Wu says Taiwan has faced continued pressure and intimidation from authoritarian forces but remains determined to protect its sovereignty.
Wu says Taiwan's investment in defence is an investment in peace, pointing to the recent return of newly acquired F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from the United States and the planned deployment of Taiwan's indigenous submarine.
He says Taiwan has the determination and capability to protect the country while continuing to support Fiji's development and contribute to the people of Fiji.
Wu also highlighted Taiwan's broader engagement in the Pacific, including its support for development, climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
Meanwhile, Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says Taiwan is making a significant contribution to the South Pacific through its assistance in areas including climate resilience, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare and social empowerment.
Chaudhry says Taiwan's cooperation with Fiji extends beyond government-to-government relations.
He says the relationship includes farmers learning new cultivation techniques, health professionals sharing knowledge, Fijians receiving medical assistance, young people studying in Taiwan and professionals from both countries exchanging expertise.
Chaudhry says Taiwan's assistance in agriculture could play an important role in Fiji's long-term food security.
He says Fiji can benefit from Taiwan's expertise in commercial farming, agro-industrial development, food processing, packaging, marketing and exports.
Chaudhry says Fiji has the land and climatic conditions needed to develop a range of commercial crops, while Taiwanese expertise could help strengthen the sector.
He also commended Taiwan's economic development, saying Fiji has much to learn from its progress as a small island economy.
Chaudhry says Taiwan's development has been driven by democratic and economic freedoms, good governance, hard work and determination.
He says the two island nations share similar challenges associated with their size and economies, while Taiwan has managed to overcome many of those constraints.
