Fijian PM lauds diplomatic ties with China

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama lauded the ties on Thursday, saying Fiji looks to China for leadership in the global community.

To commemorate the anniversary, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Ping to Fiji held a symposium in Suva, where Bainimarama is the chief guest.

"Today, we celebrate the fact that not only were our relations friendly four decades ago, but they are even closer today," Bainimarama said while delivering his keynote speech.

Calling China a steadfast ally, Bainimarama said China was there to support Fiji as the latter looked north and expanded links with the world beyond its immediate neighborhood.

"It has always supported the role Fiji plays in United Nations peacekeeping. And it has supported our desire to pursue a more independent foreign policy and work with our island neighbors to give the Pacific a stronger voice," Bainimarama said.

The Fijian prime minister lauded high-level exchanges between Fiji and China.

Bainimarama said the presence here a year ago of Chinese President Xi Jinping was an honor, and he had also deeply appreciated the many considerations shown to him during his visits to China.

Bainimarama reiterated Fiji's steadfast adherence to the one-China policy.

"Right from the start, Fiji recognized the policy of one China, acknowledging the People's Republic as the only legitimate authority representing the whole of China and acknowledging Taiwan as an integral part of China," said Bainimarama.

Meanwhile, Bainimarama expressed his gratitude toward China for respecting Fiji's foreign policy.

"Fiji especially values China's respect for the central tenet of our foreign policy, which is to be enemies to none and friends to all. We have no desire as a Pacific small island developing state to be drawn into the conflicts of others."

"We seek good relations with every nation and people of goodwill throughout the world. And we know that China understands that desire and supports our right to pursue a foreign policy that is staunchly independent," he said.

The Fijian prime minister expressed his country's hope that China can play a bigger role on the international stage.

"China not only has a great history but a great present and a great future - all based on the celebrated energy and drive of the Chinese people. It has a crucial role to play in world affairs. And Fiji looks to China for leadership in the global community on the great issues of our time," Bainimarama said.

Fiji established diplomatic relations with China on Nov. 5, 1975, becoming the first Pacific island country to do so. Endit