Speaking before the Fijian Parliament today, Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted China's aid to Fiji in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, developing agriculture and improving infrastructure, according to AFP.
Mr Rabuka stressed that modernizing Fiji's port facilities and shipyards was a "key focus" for sustainable economic development, according to AFP. "I look forward to potential cooperation with China in that effort," Mr Rabuka stressed, citing China's "globally competitive shipbuilding capabilities."
Mr. Rabuka made the above statement after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco, California (USA) last week.
China's foreign ministry said that when he met Mr Rabuka, Mr Xi pledged to help Fiji protect its "security and sovereignty" as well as cooperate on infrastructure.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in San Francisco, California (USA) on November 16.
Fmprc.gov.cn Screenshot
Asked about Rabuka's remarks, China's Foreign Ministry described the two countries as "good friends and partners." "The two countries have carried out practical cooperation in many areas, including infrastructure, to promote Fiji's economic and social development," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said. Mao also said Beijing was "committed to helping the island nations restore their livelihoods and improve their development."
China signed a secret security pact with the Solomon Islands last year, raising concerns Beijing could deploy military forces there, AFP reported.
During a visit to Australia last month, when asked about China's security role in the South Pacific, Mr Rabuka said he wanted to work with more democratic "traditional friends". Mr Rabuka also supported the creation of a "zone of peace" in the region, according to AFP.
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