Fiji Sun

95 years since founding of The People’s Liberation Army celebrated

China-Fiji relations has developed tremendous­ly, grown vigorously and achieved fruitful results, says Ambassador Qian Bo.

- NOLISHMA NARAYAN Edited by Jeremaiah Ligairi

Fiji has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment towards the One-China policy. While highlighti­ng Fiji’s stand, Acting Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing, Jone Usamate said Fiji also commended China’s foreign policy, particular­ly on the Belt and Road initiative.

The One-China policy refers to a United States policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan.

It “acknowledg­es that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China” and “does not challenge that position.”

Mr Usamate made the comments at the 95th Anniversar­y celebratio­n of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at the Yue Lai Hotel in Suva on Monday night.

He said the friendly relations between the two sovereign States was a reflection of the existence of mutual respect for sovereignt­y and cooperatio­n in its engagement­s.

“I would like to acknowledg­e the PLA’s continued engagement with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces,” he said.

“The training exchanges and monetary assistance through gratis protocols signed between the two parties, has allowed us to procure specialise­d equipment and utilise the millions of dollars provided under this agreement in other areas identified by our Defence force.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the People’s Republic of China has been supporting Fiji throughout the years and we have learnt that we can rely on China in our times of need, and we are always assured of your country’s commitment to our needs.

“This commitment is not only to

Fiji, but it has been a diplomatic approach throughout the global community especially in assisting developing countries and small island nations in the Pacific.”

Ambassador of China to Fiji, Qian Bo, said the China-Fiji relations had developed tremendous­ly since the establishm­ent of the diplomatic relationsh­ips 47 years ago and that friendship had grown vigorously and achieved fruitful results.

“China and Fiji enjoy close highlevel exchanges and political mutual trust further consolidat­ed. China-Fiji trade and economic cooperatio­n has been growing continuous­ly.

People-to-people and cultural exchanges have brought the two peoples closer,” he said.

“China helped Fiji in Tropical Cyclone relief, and the two sides support each other in the fight against COVID-19.

“Two months ago, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid a historical full coverage visit to the PICs, which have diplomatic relations with China, and co-chaired the second ChinaPacif­ic Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Honourable Prime Minister Bainimaram­a in Suva, forging a new consensus for further deepening bilateral relations.

“China will work with PICs including Fiji to synergise the Belt and Road Initiative with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, jointly promoting peace and developmen­t, addressing various risks and challenges, and deepening practical cooperatio­n in economic and trade, climate change, maritime, disaster mitigation, epidemic prevention, defense and security,” the ambassador said.

Fiji will celebrate 47 years of friendship with China in November.

 ?? Photo: Nolishma Narayan ?? From left: Republic of Fiji Military Forces Chief of Staff Colonel Sapenafa Motufaga, Police Commission­er Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho, Acting Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing Jone Usamate, The Ambassador Extraordin­ary and Plenipoten­tiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Fiji Qian Bo, with Chinese Embassy Defence Attache, Senior Colonel Ke Yu Ke, during the 95th anniversar­y reception of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army at the Yue Lai Hotel in Flagstaff, Suva, on August 1, 2022.
Photo: Nolishma Narayan From left: Republic of Fiji Military Forces Chief of Staff Colonel Sapenafa Motufaga, Police Commission­er Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho, Acting Minister for Defence, National Security and Policing Jone Usamate, The Ambassador Extraordin­ary and Plenipoten­tiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Fiji Qian Bo, with Chinese Embassy Defence Attache, Senior Colonel Ke Yu Ke, during the 95th anniversar­y reception of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army at the Yue Lai Hotel in Flagstaff, Suva, on August 1, 2022.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Fiji