Full Text: Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Fiji

BEIJING, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The People's Republic of China and the Republic of Fiji on Tuesday issued a joint statement.

Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Fiji

1. At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of the Republic of Fiji paid an official visit to China from August 12 to 21, 2024. During the visit, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met with President Xi Jinping, held talks with Premier Li Qiang, and met with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Zhao Leji.

2. This statement reflects the commitment of both nations in their comprehensive strategic partnership to promote practical cooperation and outline shared commitments.

3. Leaders of the two countries spoke positively of the great progress made in bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 49 years ago. The two sides agreed that the development of bilateral relations increased the common interests of the two countries and people, and contributed to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. The two sides agreed that they will continue to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development, and in keeping with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

4. The two sides agreed that all countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equal, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, the independent choice by the people of each country of a development path suited to their respective national conditions must be respected, and the principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs must be observed. The Chinese side firmly supports Fiji in upholding sovereignty and independence. The Fijian side reaffirms its adherence to the one-China Principle, and recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

5. China applauds Prime Minister Rabuka's vision for the Pacific as an "Ocean of Peace," and is committed to work with Fiji in contributing to international peace and security. Fiji will continue to pursue the Ocean of Peace concept through the adoption of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, and is committed to working with all parties to implement the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

6. The Fijian side congratulated China on the successful convening of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and acknowledged China's commitment to further deepening reform comprehensively and building a great modern socialist country in all respects. The Chinese side expressed its commitment to support Fiji in achieving its national development aspirations under the leadership of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

7. The Chinese side reiterated its adherence to the principle of "four fully respects" put forth by President Xi Jinping in developing relations with Pacific Island countries. These include,(I)fully respects the sovereignty and independence of Pacific Island countries, (Ⅱ)fully respects the will of Pacific Island countries, (III)fully respects the ethnic and cultural traditions of Pacific Island countries, and(IV)fully respects the Pacific Island countries' efforts to seek strength through unity. China does not attach any political conditions in assisting Pacific Island countries. The Fijian side acknowledges this.

8. The two sides will strengthen interaction at all levels and in various areas, expand exchange between their respective legislatures, government agencies, municipalities and localities, carry out experience sharing on governance and development, and further deepen political mutual trust.

9. The two sides will continue to build greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the development strategies of Fiji, expand practical cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, trade and investment, poverty alleviation and reduction, e-commerce, civil aviation, agriculture and fisheries, educational facilities, and green and low-carbon development. The two sides agree to expand bilateral trade cooperation to increase Fiji exports to China, and to encourage Chinese investments into Fiji's growing tourism and export oriented sectors including agro-processing facilities, value-adding for niche products, and culture of fisheries resources.

10. The two sides agreed to expand exchange and cooperation in such areas as tourism, education, health, agriculture and marine resource development, capacity building, sports and cultural promotion. The Chinese side will continue to provide scholarships and various training opportunities to the Fijian side in targeted capacity building, and provide support to Fiji in developing Chinese language teaching.

11. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in infrastructure. Fiji acknowledges and appreciates China's commitment in supporting the upgrading of road project in Vanua Levu.

12. The Fijian side recognizes China's successes in its modernization drive and looks forward to expanding cooperation frameworks and pilots in knowledge sharing with Chinese think tanks and sister provinces to accelerate common development and shared prosperity.

13. Fiji acknowledges the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, and will work with China to advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. The Chinese side reiterated its readiness to strengthen cooperation with Fiji in the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative to help Fiji accelerate the implementation of the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Fijian side welcomes the adoption of the resolution on the establishment of an International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations at the 78^th Session of the U.N. General Assembly, and stands ready to work with China for the implementation of the resolution and for greater exchange and mutual learning among civilizations.

14. The two sides agreed to champion humanity's common values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional affairs, defend the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order underpinned by  international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, safeguard the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, uphold true multilateralism, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

15. The two sides agreed that climate change is a global challenge that requires all countries to respond under the framework of multilateralism and in accordance with the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The two sides will jointly promote the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement. The Chinese side, within the framework of South-South cooperation, is committed to provide assistance and support to Fiji's climate response through bilateral and multilateral channels. 

16. The two sides are committed to working with all parties for the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The two sides reiterated their commitment to firmly upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty. Fiji commends the "three principles" proposed by President Xi Jinping that countries should follow in developing relations with Pacific Island countries, namely, upholding Pacific Island countries' independence in making decisions, putting development first, and staying open and inclusive.

17. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation within the China-Pacific Island countries cooperation platforms and frameworks including on reserves of emergency supplies, climate action, poverty alleviation and development, disaster prevention and mitigation, Juncao technology, agriculture, and police training center, and work together to build a closer community with a shared future between China and Pacific Island countries.

Beijing, August 20th, 2024