China Slams U.S Tariffs

In what has become a tit-for-tat exchange between superpowers, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian has called for a united front against what he described as economic “bullying” by the United States (U.S).

Speaking at a press conference in Suva on Wednesday, Ambassador Zhou accused the U.S of imposing unfair trade barriers on smaller economies like Fiji, warning that such actions pose serious threats to sustainable development and global cooperation.

“Do we choose unilateralism or multilateralism? Bullying or equal dialogue? Selfish gains or mutual cooperation?,” Ambassador Zhou asked.

He took aim at the U.S’s trade policies, calling recent tariff increases “absurd” and “ridiculous,” particularly in relation to Fiji.

He proposed three key actions for China, Fiji, and other nations:

Uphold international rules and reject unilateralism

Mr Zhou said China and Fiji, as World Trade Organisation (WTO) members, must work together to defend the multilateral trading system and an open, cooperative global economy.

Defend fairness and justice

Citing the UN Charter, Mr Zhou said development was a universal right and that all nations — regardless of size — must be treated equally.

Expand open cooperation for mutual benefit

Mr Zhou highlighted growing trade between China and Fiji, which reached $534 million in 2024. He called for deeper collaboration in infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, green development, and e-commerce.

“China will continue to expand imports of Fijian specialty goods, support Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji, and encourage tourists to visit Fiji,” he said, also pledging continued support for development projects like Juncao and rice planting technology.

“Strengthening China-Fiji collaboration and fostering shared progress is the strongest rebuttal to U.S unilateralism and economic coercion,” he added.

Mr Zhou also reaffirmed China’s global vision: “In a world full of uncertainties, China will continue to seek joining hands rather than throwing punches, removing barriers rather than erecting walls, and promoting connectivity rather than decoupling.”

U.S Ambassador to Fiji Marie C. Damour during an interview.

U.S. response

In response to Ambassador Zhou’s comments, U.S Ambassador to Fiji Marie C. Damour strongly rejected what she called attempts to undermine Fiji’s bilateral ties with the U.S.

“It’s puzzling that any country purporting to be a friend to Fiji would try to publicly undermine Fiji’s bilateral relationship with one of its partners. That’s not who the United States is, or the kind of partner we strive to be,” Ms Damour said.

She further criticised the remarks as insulting to Fiji’s sovereignty and leadership.

“Implying that Fiji is incapable of steering its own foreign policy not only insults the country’s leadership, but also disrespects its people. Fijians are perfectly capable of handling their own affairs without such ‘advice’.”

The U.S Ambassador reaffirmed the strong and enduring ties between Fiji and the United States.

“Fiji and the United States enjoy a longstanding relationship built on shared values of faith, mutual respect, and openness. No country — especially ones that do not share those same values — should attempt to interfere with that relationship, as these cheap shots will fail.”

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj