FIJI’S diplomatic relations with China is on a good footing, says University of the South Pacific Associate Professor Sandra Tarte.
During an interview at her office in Suva today, she said Fiji had worked so hard to build its relationship with China over the past years when it was ignored by its traditional partners.
Despite the Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s planned two-day official visit to Fiji, Ms Tarte said Fiji would be more focused on discussing areas where it could improve in terms of its relationship with Australia but it would not downgrade its relationship with China.
“Our relationship with China is on a good footing and I don’t think Fiji wants to downgrade that relationship, however, it is perhaps becoming more apparent that China is what most see is not the most favourite of our partners,” Ms Tarte said.
“China has stood by Fiji when others were not, especially our traditional partners.”
Ms Tarte is the Head of School of Government, Development and International Affairs, and she specialises in international politics of the Pacific region.
