Chinese President Xi Jinping promises stronger Fiji ties in world of ‘turmoil’
The Hindu
Chinese President Xi Jinping strengthens ties with Fiji, sparking concern among Western powers, as they sign bilateral deals in Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to strengthen ties with Fiji in a world beset with “turmoil” as he met the Pacific island’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing on Tuesday (August 20, 2024).
China has stepped up its courtship of South Pacific nations in recent years, triggering concern among Western powers — particularly the United States and Australia — that have historically held sway over the region.
Mr. Rabuka met Mr. Xi in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People after touring the length and breadth of China for more than a week.
“(Our) two countries have always supported and helped each other as good friends, good partners, and have become a model of being equals and friendly cooperation between countries large and small,” Mr. Xi told Mr. Rabuka.
He said Beijing was keen to “promote the building of a China-Fiji community with a shared future in a world of turmoil and chaos, and to bring more benefits to our people”.
Mr. Xi also praised Fiji’s recent sporting successes in rugby, for which it won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics last month.
Mr. Rabuka thanked the Chinese leader, telling Mr. Xi that “Fiji stands ready to send rugby coaches and players to come to China to play with Chinese teams”.
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