FIJI could be a place for multilateral cooperation, says Chinese ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo.
He made the comment when quizzed if the re-election of Xi Jinping as general secretary for the Chinese Communist Party could place Fiji in danger because of the Pacific region becoming a battleground as the power struggle between the United States and China intensified.
“There have been some reports and some mentality by some countries that Pacific island countries (PICs) could be a battleground but we believe, as our foreign minister stated, that this place (Fiji) could be a place for multilateral cooperation,” he said.
“China is not a newcomer. Chinese community diaspora arrived in Fiji 170 years ago and China established diplomatic relations 47 years ago, and China has always been there to support our people and friends in this country.
“We should focus more on developing countries like Fiji to achieve certain developments. Because sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a target for many developing countries – which is also agreed upon by all members of the United Nations (UN), and for developing countries, we always believe that development is the priority.
“Climate change is also the priority for the region so if we can focus more on how to help each other in terms of development, we can try to increase two-way trade between China and Fiji, attract more Chinese tourists, and invest more on agriculture – the large population of Fiji will benefit.”
