Fiji’s Minister of Indigenous Affairs- “Fiji firmly adheres to the one-China principle”
In an exclusive interview with the Fiji Times, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts, Ifereimi Waqa, expressed strong support for the One China principle, stating, “There is only one China in the world, and that is an undeniable fact.” During a meeting with a representative delegation from the People’s Daily who are currently visiting Fiji, Waqa emphasized the enduring partnership between Fiji and China since the establishment of diplomatic ties. He noted that China has consistently supported Fiji’s journey towards prosperity and strength. This year marks the tenth anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Fiji, solidifying a strategic partnership characterized by mutual respect and shared development that was officially established in November 2014, and later elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership four years afterward.
Waqa highlighted the rapid development of Fiji-China relations over the past decade, citing fruitful cooperation in various fields benefitting both nations. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation plans laid out by President Xi during his 2014 visit, underscoring the effective collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative framework, which has delivered tangible benefits to the Fijian people. Through joint infrastructure projects, clean energy technology promotion, and agricultural cooperation, China has provided robust support for sustainable development in Fiji.
The Minister also pointed out that China’s Global Civilization Initiative is a crucial step towards fostering dialogue and exchanges among world civilizations, which the Fijian government highly values. “China has a rich cultural heritage and is committed to maintaining world peace while respecting cultural diversity. We look forward to deepening our collaboration in cultural exchange and learning within the framework of this initiative, which will promote mutual understanding among our peoples,” Waqa said. Furthermore, he welcomed the recent UN General Assembly resolution, proposed by China, to establish an “International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations,” expressing Fiji’s willingness to work alongside China to implement this resolution and enhance interaction among diverse cultures.
Reflecting on a visit to Zhejiang Province in China in December 2023, Waqa praised the province’s successful development strategies focusing on improving living standards and cultural heritage preservation. “Zhejiang’s achievements in enhancing people’s livelihoods and protecting cultural heritage provide us with valuable insights,” he added.
In recent years, cooperation between China and Fiji in cultural heritage protection has intensified. Waqa explained that Fiji has established a national trust fund dedicated to managing and preserving cultural heritage projects, with the Fiji Museum employing professional evaluations to protect archaeological sites. He remarked, “China excels in adaptive protection of cultural heritage, and we hope to receive further guidance and assistance from them.” Additionally, Fiji has increased investments in education, incorporating indigenous language courses into mandatory subjects for elementary schools and electives for high schools. The Fiji Museum also offers engaging educational programs to help students better understand and safeguard their cultural heritage.
The Minister noted that China’s rural revitalization strategy has energized economic development in rural areas, allowing communities to share in the benefits of progress. “Fiji is committed to transforming its unique island culture into valuable tourism resources, helping villages and communities earn income by showcasing handicrafts and traditional culture,” Waqa stated. He emphasized the importance of striking a balance between cultural heritage protection and development, particularly in avoiding the inappropriate commercialization of indigenous traditions. “China’s experiences in legislative protection provide us with valuable perspectives to enhance the legal framework for traditional cultural protection and support local communities in increasing their income.”
Waqa also highlighted the collaborative efforts between China and Fiji in green development strategies to address global climate change challenges, adding new dimensions to their bilateral relations. He noted that Chinese companies are actively engaged in developing solar and other clean energy projects, accelerating Fiji’s transition to a greener energy structure and reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels. The Chinese government has also provided significant agricultural technology assistance to boost Fiji’s agricultural productivity and strengthen food security. “These cooperative projects not only promote comprehensive economic and social development in Fiji but also offer valuable experiences and models for other Pacific Island nations,” Waqa concluded.
Reflecting on the long-standing friendship between Fiji and China, Waqa acknowledged the vital role of the Chinese community as an integral part of Fiji’s multicultural society, contributing positively to national development and cultural diversity. “We look forward to further enhancing friendly exchanges between our peoples, laying a stronger foundation for Fiji-China relations,” he affirmed.
