Fiji is seeking to deepen economic and infrastructure cooperation with China's Jiangsu Province, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighting investment opportunities in Vanua Levu and reaffirming the country's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with China.
Prime Minister Rabuka met with Jiangsu Vice Governor Zhao Yan and his delegation, where the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in infrastructure, regional development and other areas of mutual interest.
Rabuka thanked the Chinese government for its continued support through socioeconomic development programs and people-to-people exchanges, while reaffirming Fiji's adherence to the One China Policy. Fiji and China established diplomatic relations in 1975.
During the meeting, Rabuka identified Vanua Levu as Fiji's next major economic growth hub and welcomed greater participation by Jiangsu Province in supporting the island's development.
He highlighted the FJD300 million China-Aid Vanua Levu Road Upgrading Project as a flagship initiative under the Belt and Road Initiative. The project will upgrade more than 80 kilometers of rural roads and more than 20 bridges to climate-resilient standards, improving connectivity for 61 villages and 15 schools while expanding access to essential services and economic opportunities across the Northern Division.
The prime minister also discussed regional priorities, including the Ocean of Peace Declaration, which aims to promote peace, unity and resilience across the Blue Pacific amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
At the multilateral level, Rabuka acknowledged China's Global Development, Security, Civilization and Governance Initiatives and reaffirmed Fiji's commitment to working with China through the United Nations-centered multilateral system to advance shared interests.
Vice Governor Zhao thanked the prime minister for the opportunity to discuss areas of cooperation and reaffirmed Jiangsu Province's commitment to strengthening ties with Fiji.
The meeting reflects continued efforts by Fiji and China to broaden bilateral cooperation, with infrastructure development, regional connectivity and economic growth remaining central to the partnership.
