Floating hospital treats thousands, strengthens Fiji–China ties
Ark Silk Road’s visit marks 50 years of diplomatic relations, blending medical outreach with peaceful defence cooperation.
Monday 06 October 2025 | 00:00
From left: Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad (fourth from left) and Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian (fifth from left) and senior military officers on board the Chinese naval ship, Ark Silk Road.
Photo: Supplied
More than 1500 Fijians received free medical care this week as the Chinese Navy hospital ship Ark Silk Road concluded its humanitarian mission in Fiji.
The visit that combined medical support with renewed diplomatic engagement.
Speaking at a reception last Saturday, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua thanked the ship’s personnel for their service and highlighted the positive impact of their visit.
Related stories
“On behalf of the Government of Fiji, I extend my sincere appreciation for the work carried out by this ship and its personnel over the past several days,” he said.
A successor to the Peace Ark, which visited Fiji in 2014 and 2018, the Ark Silk Road is part of Mission Harmony 2035, a Chinese-led global humanitarian initiative promoting medical outreach and international cooperation.
Doctors aboard the vessel provided thousands of consultations, treating long queues of patients across all ages.
“Behind every patient is a story — a mother, a child, an elder seeking care,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“You have provided this service with great professionalism, and for that, we are most grateful.”
The mission also strengthened collaboration between Chinese and Fijian medical teams.
Mr Tikoduadua emphasised that such partnerships extend beyond formal agreements, delivering tangible benefits to the community.
This year marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between Fiji and China, making Fiji the first Pacific island nation to establish ties with China in 1975.
The milestone coincides with the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Mr Tikoduadua noted the two countries’ ongoing cooperation in infrastructure, education, defence, and disaster response, describing the hospital ship’s visit as a continuation of this partnership.
“To the doctors, nurses, and technical staff — you have treated our citizens with care, patience, and discipline,” he said.
“Your close collaboration with Fijian medical teams has deepened mutual understanding.”
He added that the mission demonstrates how defence cooperation can serve peaceful, humanitarian purposes, providing a model for future engagement.
The Ark Silk Road will continue its regional tour under Mission Harmony 2035, leaving behind both a legacy of care and a strengthened foundation for Fiji–China relations.
Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj
