Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama will meet China’s top two leaders, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang, during his visit there.

He told the Fijian community at a dinner in Beijing the meetings underlined the strength of Fiji’s relationship with China.

It is understood the talks will cover all aspects of bilateral relations, especially military co-operation.

Fiji’s proposed new naval base is high on the agenda. China, which has a powerful navy, is likely to help using its resources. Accompanying the PM is Brigadier-General Mosese Tikoitoga, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

Mr Bainimarama said relations with China were not just a friendship stretching back 40 years.

“China has been there for us when some of our other friends deserted us and we will never forget that support when we needed it most of all.”

He reminded the Fijian Community to never forget that they were representing Fiji there in China.

“Not just your immediate families, your employer, university or institution but all Fijians.”

They were, he said, a personal embodiment of the qualities of our nation in the eyes of the Chinese people they met.

“Always strive to uphold our best traditions and standards of behaviour in your daily lives. And always strive to do your best. To make the most the opportunity you have been given to study or work here.”

“I’m delighted to join all of you

in the Fijian community in Beijing and from other parts of China and to convey to you the warm of greetings of the Fijian people back home.

“You may be far from us in terms of distance but remain close in our hearts. And I carry a special greeting for those of you furthering your studies in China. The skills you are learning will make the effort all the more worthwhile when you return home and use those skills to help us build the new Fiji.”

He then gave an overview of “where I see us as a nation at the moment.” He outlined the progress made since last year’s general election.

On the economy, he told the Fijian community that it was thriving – growing at four per cent or more each year for the past three years.

He said Fiji was currently enjoying the most sustained period of growth in its entire history since Independence. “We are attracting a wave of local and foreign investment, including, of course, from China. And as the economy expands, more Fijians have jobs.”

More Fijians, he said, were paying tax and the Government was getting the revenue it needed to finally start giving a leg-up to the people who really needed it – low income Fijians and the disadvantaged.

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