China’s Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian says Fijians are welcome to visit Xinjiang province to see the “truth” for themselves.
His comments follows Fiji Government’s withdrawal from the Joint Statement on Human Rights violations in Xinjiang, China, co-signed by 50 other countries.
Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand were the only Pacific Island nations that had initially signed to be part of the group.
“A few days ago, the Fiji Government withdrew from a joint statement proposed by the Western countries, which slandered China’s policy in Xinjiang,” Mr Zhou said.
“China welcomes that decision. At present, Xinjiang enjoys social stability, economic development, cultural prosperity, and religious harmony.
“Nearly 100 countries have stood on the side of justice and spoken up at the United Nations to support China’s legitimate position. Seeing is believing. Fiji friends are warmly welcome to Xinjiang to see the truth with your own eyes, and I believe lies will fall off of itself.”
Mr Zhou also said that over the years, China had provided Fiji with sincere assistance “without any political strings”, and that this was done based on fully respecting the will of the Fijian Government and people and considering Fiji’s actual needs for development.
“China respects Fiji’s sovereignty and never interferes in Fiji’s internal affairs.”
