‘China provides aid to Fiji without political strings’
For years, China has proceeded from the needs of Fiji to provide aid without any political strings attached while fully respecting the will of the Fijian Government and its people, says the Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, Zhou Jian in Sigatoka.
He said China’s help to Fiji embodied the brotherhood between them.
“For years, China has proceeded from the actual needs of Fiji to provide sincere aid without any political strings attached while fully respecting the will of the Fijian government and people,” Mr Zhou said.
“As everyone could see from examples such as the Juncao Technology Demonstration Centre, the Suva multi-purposes sports arena, and the Vanua Levu Road Upgrading Project, what China brings is enhanced infrastructure, sustainable growth and a better life.”
Mr Jian said regrettably, some countries spared no effort to smear China as a threat to the region.
“To this, I want to stress that China does not pursue private ends in Pacific Island countries and has no interest in geopolitical competition.
As a developing country, we know what Pacific Island countries need is contribution instead of confrontation, economic development instead of military deployment, climate action instead of nuclear tension. China will always be a reliable partner of Fiji on its path to development.
“Since I came to Fiji over a year ago, I’ve experienced first-hand how China-Fiji relationship moves into high gear. I am proud of it. Last
year, the historic meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and honourable Prime Minister Rabuka in San Francisco laid out the blueprint for developing China-Fiji relations”
He said going forward, China was ready to work with Fiji to implement the consensus of Fijian leaders and take bilateral cooperation to a new high.
“We will encourage more Chinese enterprises to do business in Fiji,
import more quality products from Fiji, and by doing that help Fiji in its drive for sustainable development and national rejuvenation. “We will continue to send medical teams and art troupes to visit Fiji, provide scholarships and training opportunities for Fijian students to study in China, and by doing that strengthen the friendship between our people,” he said.