Fiji Will not Choose Sides: PM

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has warned against the Pacific becoming a theatre for global power struggles.

He said Fiji and its neighbours should not be forced to choose sides amid rising tensions between major powers.

“We are trying to go for that independent status of being friends with all and enemies to none,” Mr Rabuka said during remarks in press conference Canberra, Australia.

“It’s a fairly tough course to steer, but it is possible. We need to hold hands; we need to encourage each other to be able to maintain that view and that path.”

Mr Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with Australia, New Zealand and the United States, while also continuing its development cooperation with China.

“China’s participation in our development should not affect how we interact with Australia, New Zealand and America and how we relate to that,” he said.

“We are not ready to sacrifice our relationships with Australia and New Zealand and America, just because of what China has done in our development.”

Mr Rabuka’s comments come at a time of heightened strategic interest in the Pacific, with major powers seeking to expand their influence in the region.

“The Pacific leaders, in all their recent discussions, have tried to go for policies that are friendly to all, and enemies to none,” Mr Rabuka said.

He stressed that neutrality and cooperation remain the guiding principles for regional diplomacy.

He said Pacific Island countries must remain united and avoid being divided by competing foreign agendas. “We know our limitations. We have our own way of dealing with our situation.”

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj