China reaffirms Fiji as key Pacific partner amid economic growth

Fiji and China’s economic relationship has seen steady growth in various fields that include trade, infrastructure and development.

In 2024, Premier of the State Li Qiang met with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing China and highlighted that Fiji was the first Pacific island nation to establish diplomatic relations with China.

“China has always regarded Fiji as one of its most important partners in the South Pacific region,” Mr Li said.

China and Fiji are on bilateral co-operation in trade and infrastructure construction as part of a wide-ranging partnership between China and Pacific island countries.

The Pacific island nations have received support initiatives from the Chinese government that contributes in their development.

Last year, China’s economy proved resilient as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by five per cent reaching 140.19 trillion yuan (FJ$44tn).

This was revealed by Mr Li during the review of the work done by the Chinese government from 2025 during the Opening session of the Fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress on Thursday.

Premier of the State Council Li Qiang during his address on March 5 in Beijing, China.

Photo: Ioane Asioli

In his address, Mr Li said the Chinese economy had proved resilient as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by five per cent.

“Overall employment remained stable with 12.67 million urban jobs created and the average surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.2 per cent,” he said.

“Foreign trade registered rapid growth, significant advances were made in export diversification, and a basic equilibrium was maintained in the balance of payments.”

Mr Li said public wellbeing initiatives delivered more robust outcomes.

“Personal incomes rose in step with economic growth, poverty alleviation gains were consolidated and expanded,” he said.

“The policy of providing one year of free preschool education was implemented benefitting 14 million children and over 30 million children under three benefitted from childcare subsidies launched nationwide last year.”

Mr Li said the Grain output rose to 715 million metric tons.

“Encouraging headway was made in defusing risks in key areas, overall social stability was ensured,” he said.

“Fundamentally, we owe these remarkable achievements to the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at its core, which has been at the helm charting our course.”

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