Fiji Leader Sitiveni Rabuka stated that he hopes to cooperate with Chinese President Xi Jinping to upgrade his country’s shipyards and ports. Sitiveni Rabuka, who is more distant from China compared to the previous leader Frank Bainimarama, visited Canberra in October 2023 and emphasized that “it is more comfortable to work with traditional friends like Australia.”.[1]
Sitiveni emphasized the economic ties his country has built with China over 50 years of diplomatic relations. Meeting with Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, the Fijian leader stated that China’s assistance is vital for Fiji’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery.[2]
Sitiveni stated that China’s Belt and Road Initiative is aligned with Fiji’s development agenda and that China has contributed to a series of grants and aid packages. Stating that the main focus of sustainable economic growth in Fiji is the comprehensive upgrading of infrastructure, Sitiveni used the following expressions:[3]
“Considering China’s globally competitive shipyard capacity, I expect a potential collaboration with China on this matter.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated in her daily briefing that Fiji is a good friend and partner, and that they have previously cooperated on infrastructure. Mao Ning said, “Our goal is to support the improvement of people’s lives and to help them achieve development and prosperity.”[4]
Fiji’s move coincides with a period when China is trying to expand its soft power in the Pacific. In 2022, China made an ambitious attempt to sign a comprehensive agreement with 10 Pacific countries, covering a wide range of areas from security to fishing. However, this initiative raised concerns throughout the Pacific immediately after the Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China.
Fiji Leader Sitiveni’s statements regarding the pursuit of cooperation with China can be seen as a reflection of a strategy to diversify international relations in order to meet the country’s economic needs and achieve development goals. This situation indicates various strategic and economic dimensions.
As Sitiveni emphasized, the foundation of Fiji’s pursuit of cooperation with China lies in economic needs and development goals. It has been noted that especially during the economic recovery process following the Covid-19 pandemic, the aid provided by China to Fiji and the support under the Belt and Road Initiative hold critical importance for Fiji. This underscores China’s contributions to regional development projects and indicates that Fiji is seeking external support to strengthen its economic independence.
Sitiveni has been inclined to establish closer ties with China recently. This indicates a shift in regional geopolitical balances. Especially China’s efforts to increase its influence in the Pacific region reflect the attempts of countries in the region to adapt to this shift in balance. Fiji, under the leadership of Sitiveni, intends to maintain its relationships with traditional allies while increasing cooperation with China. This indicates Fiji’s multi-faceted foreign policy strategy.
The cooperation that the Fijian leader plans to undertake with China is particularly focused on upgrading port facilities and shipyards. This can be considered not only as strengthening infrastructure but also as a strategic move towards enhancing maritime transportation and trade. Emphasizing China’s globally competitive shipyard capacity indicates that this cooperation holds significant potential for trade and economic growth.
The cooperation between China and Fiji has the potential to deepen the global power struggle in the Pacific region. This is happening in harmony with China’s infrastructure investments and economic collaborations with other island countries in the region. China’s increasing presence in this region may lead to a shift in regional power dynamics and heighten competition with other major powers.
In conclusion, Fiji Leader Sitiveni’s pursuit of cooperation with China represents a strategic effort to support the country’s economic development goals. However, how this approach will interact with regional and global political dynamics and how Fiji will find its place within the framework of foreign policy will become clearer with future developments.
[1] “Fiji’s Leader Says He Hopes to Work With China in Upgrading His Country’s Shipyards and Ports”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/fiji-china-pacific-shipyards-ports-xi-rabuka-6a0c6ed5a8e72f943b2c820cce886a67, (Date Accession: 31.12.2024).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
