China vows to continue to strongly support Fiji and the Voreqe Bainimarama led Government in fighting climate change, among other proactive initiatives both locally and globally.

The statement was made by the Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, Qian Bo, during China’s 69th National Day reception at the Suva Civic Centre on Monday.

Mr Qian said China was willing to provide more support under the framework of the Belt Road Initiative, to synergise its development with the Government’s development strategy as they work towards fulfilling its ‘five-year and 20-year National Development Plan’.

Mr Bainimarama was present during the celebration among other diplomats and guests. Mr Qian said over the 43 years of the China-Fiji relations, they had witnessed fruitful achievements of bilateral co-operation in various fields.

Mr Qian said the Chinese President Xi Jinping who would be attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation summit in Papua New Guinea in November is expected to meet with Mr Bainimarama.

This, he said, would be an an important opportunity for the two leaders to draw the China-Fiji co-operation blueprint.

He said that China had become Fiji’s largest source of investment, the fourth largest trade partner, and the fourth largest source of tourists. Mr Qian further highlighted that the two countries had signed a series of co-operation agreements in various areas.

“China highly appreciates and firmly supports Fiji and Mr Bainimarama’s endeavours and leadership in fighting climate change, appreciates Fiji’s remarkable achievements in fostering inclusive and sustainable development, commends Fiji’s outstanding contributions to the United Nations peacekeeping over the past 40 years, and supports Fiji’s bid for membership of the UN Human Rights Council.

“China will continue, under the framework of South-South Co-operation and within our capacity, to provide assistance to Fiji, contributing to Fiji’s sustainable development and peacekeeping capabilities.

“Looking to the future, I am full of confidence of China-Fiji relations,” Mr Qian said.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs acting chief of protocol Jonetani Tagivetaua acknowledged the visionary leadership of China’s President, in his pursuit of the realisation of a connected global community through policies such as the Belt Road Initiative.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra