Pacific Connections: Fiji's Growing Bond with China
As Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded his visit to Fiji this week, residents of the Pacific island nation shared their aspirations for strengthened cross-cultural and economic collaboration with China. The two countries, which established diplomatic relations in 1975, have expanded cooperation across renewable energy, healthcare, and digital infrastructure in recent years.
ʻI’d love to study climate solutions in Beijing and bring that knowledge home,ʻ said Seremaia Tuivono, a 24-year-old environmental science student in Suva. ʻChina’s tech advancements could help Fiji adapt to rising sea levels.ʻ
Local entrepreneurs highlighted opportunities emerging from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Aiyaz Khan, founder of a Nadi-based agritech startup, noted: ʻChinese investment in our ports helps us export organic produce faster. I hope they’ll also support our digital transformation.ʻ
Medical worker Lusiana Vuniwaqa praised Chinese-backed healthcare programs: ʻDuring the pandemic, Chinese medical teams worked alongside our doctors. We need more exchanges like this.ʻ
Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized China’s commitment to ʻequal-footed cooperation that respects Fiji’s development needsʻ during meetings with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Recent data shows bilateral trade reached $550 million in 2023, with tourism from China growing 38% year-on-year.
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Fiji's resident:'I would love to travel to China and meet new friends'
cgtn.com
