Fiji and China Strengthen Partnership to Deliver Practical Development Benefits

Fiji and the People’s Republic of China have expressed their readiness to expand cooperation in trade and investment, infrastructure, agriculture, renewable energy and climate resilience, building on 51 years of diplomatic relations and a partnership that continues to deliver tangible benefits for Fiji; responding to our development needs and the interests of the region.

These priorities were discussed today during a courtesy call by the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Chen Haiping, to the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ambassador Solo Mara, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Suva.

In welcoming and congratulating Ambassador Chen, Ambassador Mara acknowledged China’s longstanding support, as enshrined under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the South-South Cooperation.

Ambassador Mara acknowledged the work advanced with the current infrastructure projects, envisaged to support the region by way of connectivity and the enhancement of Trade. He highlighted that these Investment and Development assistance have a multiplier effect in the region.

Ambassador Mara noted the potential to further advance our relations through the South-South Cooperation and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, recognising focus on initiatives aligned with Fiji’s national development needs and wider Pacific priorities.

Both sides acknowledged the significance of Fiji-China relations in promoting economic development, peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. They reflected on Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka’s official visit to China in 2024, including his meeting with Chinese President His Excellency Xi Jinping, as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

In anticipation of the upcoming COP, Ambassador Mara acknowledged China’s commitment under its Climate Finance Roadmap and Clean Tech & Trade Opposition.

Ambassador Chen expressed China’s commitment to building on the achievements of our strong partnership, supporting Fiji’s development aspirations, and promoting shared interests in regional peace, stability and prosperity.

As the first Pacific Island country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1975, Fiji continues to value its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, founded on mutual respect and shared development interests. Fiji’s adherence to the One-China Principle remains an important foundation of its bilateral and multilateral engagements.

Fiji balances its engagement with China alongside regional architectures like the Pacific Islands Forum—where Fiji has championed concepts such as the “Ocean of Peace”—while China engages Pacific Island countries through collective multilateral dialogue mechanisms.