Fiji and China have achieved remarkable progress in their cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), yielding tangible benefits for the Fijian people through joint efforts in infrastructure construction, clean energy projects, and agricultural collaboration. These successes were lauded by Ifereimi Vasu, Fiji’s Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts, during a meeting with a visiting delegation from People’s Daily on October 14.
The minister emphasized that China’s support has played a crucial role in Fiji’s sustainable development, driving improvements in various sectors and contributing to the nation’s economic stability. The meeting marked the tenth anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Fiji, a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Over the past ten years, Fiji and China have cultivated a close relationship, characterized by fruitful cooperation in numerous fields. The foundation of this relationship was laid during President Xi’s historic visit in 2014, which set the stage for bilateral ties to flourish. Minister Vasu expressed deep gratitude for the projects initiated as a result of this visit, noting that these initiatives have had far-reaching impacts on Fiji’s infrastructure, energy, and agricultural sectors.
One of the key areas of cooperation has been the development of infrastructure, which has transformed the physical landscape of Fiji. From roads to ports, China’s investments have improved connectivity and facilitated trade, enhancing Fiji’s ability to participate in the global economy. Minister Vasu underscored how the relationship between the two nations has evolved over the years, culminating in the 2018 upgrade of their strategic partnership to a comprehensive level. This comprehensive strategic partnership is based on mutual respect and shared goals of development, prosperity, and sustainability.
The development of political mutual trust has been a cornerstone of China-Fiji relations, fostering cooperation in both political and economic arenas. Minister Vasu highlighted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China has remained a steadfast partner, supporting Fiji’s aspirations for prosperity and strength. This relationship has not only benefitted the two nations economically but also contributed to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, a concept frequently championed by President Xi.
In November 2014, both countries signed a strategic partnership agreement, laying the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in the years that followed. Four years later, in 2018, this partnership was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership, signifying a deepening of political, cultural, and economic ties. This high-level strategic guidance has enabled both nations to work together effectively, contributing positively to regional stability and sustainable development in the Pacific region.
Minister Vasu praised China’s Global Civilization Initiative as an important step towards promoting dialogue and understanding between different cultures. As a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, Fiji places great value on the preservation and promotion of its indigenous traditions. In this context, China’s expertise and commitment to cultural heritage preservation have been invaluable to Fiji’s efforts.
“We look forward to further cooperation with China in cultural exchanges and learning within the framework of the Global Civilization Initiative, to promote greater understanding between our peoples,” Vasu remarked.
Fiji has actively participated in global cultural exchanges, and its government welcomed the adoption of China’s proposal at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly to establish an International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations. Minister Vasu expressed Fiji’s eagerness to work closely with China in implementing the resolution, which aims to foster cross-cultural exchanges and promote peace through dialogue.
Vasu’s visit to China’s Zhejiang Province in December 2023 offered him firsthand experience of China’s successful strategies in cultural heritage preservation. “The achievements Zhejiang has made in improving people’s living standards and promoting cultural heritage preservation have provided us with valuable insights,” Vasu said, referring to the practical benefits of learning from China’s development experience.
In recent years, China and Fiji have intensified their cooperation in cultural heritage protection. Minister Vasu noted that China’s advanced technology and achievements in cultural preservation have greatly benefited Fiji, providing valuable guidance as the country strives to protect its own historical and archaeological sites. In response, Fiji has established a national trust fund for the management and preservation of its cultural heritage, and the Fiji Museum has been instrumental in evaluating and classifying archaeological sites for conservation efforts.
Education plays a vital role in ensuring the future preservation of Fiji’s cultural heritage. The Fijian government has incorporated indigenous language courses into its primary and secondary school curricula, helping young Fijians learn about and connect with their cultural heritage. The Fiji Museum also offers a range of educational programs designed to engage students and increase awareness about the importance of protecting Fiji’s unique cultural history.
China’s expertise in balancing cultural preservation with economic development has been particularly valuable to Fiji. The Fijian government has been working to transform its cultural heritage into tourism resources, allowing communities to gain economic benefits through the promotion of traditional crafts and customs. However, Vasu stressed the importance of preventing the commercialization of indigenous traditions in a way that undermines their cultural significance. China’s experience in crafting legislation to protect cultural heritage has provided Fiji with a model for safeguarding its traditions while fostering economic development.
China and Fiji have also made significant progress in addressing global environmental challenges, with both nations placing a strong emphasis on sustainable development. As part of their green development strategy, China has supported Fiji’s transition to clean energy, particularly through the development of solar power projects. These initiatives have been instrumental in reducing Fiji’s reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources.
Minister Vasu emphasized that Chinese companies have been actively involved in Fiji’s renewable energy sector, helping to accelerate the country’s shift toward green energy. This collaboration aligns with Fiji’s broader goals of mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting its environment for future generations.
In addition to clean energy, China has provided Fiji with substantial agricultural technology assistance. One notable area of collaboration has been the transfer of Juncao technology, a sustainable method for growing edible mushrooms, which has helped boost agricultural productivity in Fiji. This technology has not only enhanced food security but has also created new opportunities for economic development in rural areas.
Agricultural cooperation between China and Fiji has expanded significantly in recent years, with a focus on improving food security and increasing the productivity of Fiji’s rural areas. The introduction of Juncao technology has been a key factor in this success, providing Fijian farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to grow edible mushrooms and diversify their agricultural output.
China’s rural revitalization strategy, which aims to invigorate economic development in rural areas, has served as a model for Fiji’s efforts to enhance the livelihoods of its rural communities. By leveraging its rich cultural heritage and transforming it into a tourism resource, Fiji has been able to create economic opportunities for its villages and communities, allowing them to benefit from the growing tourism industry.
Vasu emphasized that the friendship between China and Fiji is deeply rooted in history, with the Chinese community in Fiji playing an important role in the country’s cultural diversity and development. He praised the contributions of Chinese citizens to Fiji’s economic and social progress, noting that they have enriched the multicultural fabric of Fijian society.
As Fiji looks to the future, it remains committed to deepening its ties with China. Minister Vasu expressed optimism about the continued development of China-Fiji relations, highlighting the importance of friendly exchanges between the peoples of both countries. These exchanges, he said, will lay a more solid foundation for the partnership, ensuring that both nations can continue to benefit from their close cooperation.
The Belt and Road Initiative has been a powerful driver of economic growth and development for Fiji, offering the country access to new technologies, investments, and expertise. Through collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, clean energy, agriculture, and cultural preservation, China has provided Fiji with the support it needs to achieve its sustainable development goals.
Fiji and China are poised to further enhance their partnership, working together to address global challenges, promote cultural exchange, and build a community with a shared future. As both nations celebrate a decade of cooperation, the successes of the past ten years serve as a testament to the strength of their bilateral relationship and the potential for even greater achievements in the years to come.
