August 20 – President Xi Jinping meets Fijian PM Rabuka in Beijing on Tuesday to emphasize the importance of bilateral relations between China and Fiji.
Chinese Presient Xi Jinping met Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing, China.
Xi extended congratulations to Fiji’s Men’s Rugby Sevens team for securing the silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
Highlighting that Fiji was the first Pacific island nation to establish diplomatic ties with China and that the 50th anniversary of these ties will be celebrated next year, Xi noted that the two countries have supported each other for nearly half a century. This relationship has set an example of equality and friendly cooperation between nations, regardless of size.
China places high importance on its relationship with Fiji and is committed to continuing its support for Fiji’s economic and social development. Xi emphasized China’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations and build a China-Fiji community with a shared future to benefit both nations.
Additionally, Xi briefed Rabuka on China’s successful poverty alleviation practices, which Rabuka had observed during his visits to Yunnan, Fujian, and Zhejiang provinces. Xi emphasized that the completion of a moderately prosperous society for over 1.4 billion people is a historic achievement for China under the Communist Party’s leadership, contributing significantly to global poverty reduction and human development.
President Xi highlighted that no ethnic group, region, or individual was left behind in this process, showcasing the socialist system’s strength in mobilizing resources for major undertakings. He noted the strong support of all 56 ethnic groups in China for this achievement.
China is now focused on becoming a stronger nation and rejuvenating the Chinese people through modernization and peaceful development, Xi stated.
Recognizing that both China and Fiji are part of the Global South, Xi expressed China’s readiness to assist Fiji and other Pacific island nations in addressing climate change and enhancing development cooperation, with the goal of making the Pacific Ocean a region of peace, friendship, and cooperation.
Rabuka congratulated the Chinese Olympic delegation for their success at the Paris Olympics. He reflected on his visit to China 30 years ago as Prime Minister and shared that during his current tour of Yunnan, Fujian, and Zhejiang, he witnessed China’s significant achievements in poverty eradication and development under Xi’s leadership.
Further, Rabuka expressed Fiji’s willingness to learn from China’s experience and deepen cooperation in areas such as poverty reduction, infrastructure, and connectivity.
He also appreciated China’s adherence to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, supported the global initiatives proposed by Xi, and expressed Fiji’s commitment to continue Belt and Road cooperation with China, as well as to enhance relations between Pacific island countries and China to ensure peace in the Pacific Ocean.
Rabuka affirmed Fiji’s understanding of China’s stance on the Taiwan issue and reiterated Fiji’s commitment to the one-China policy.
A joint statement between China and Fiji was issued following the meeting.
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