Parliament honours the Government’s commitment to the One-China Policy

The Fijian Parliament honours the Government’s commitment to the One-China Policy.

These were the comments made by the Speaker of the Fijian Parliament the Hon. Filimone Jitoko when he met with the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency HAN Zheng on Friday, 21 March 2025.

The two leaders met in Beijing at the end of the Parliamentary delegation’s six-days visit, which began in Shanghai, and Shaanxi province.

The Hon. Speaker noted that China is Fiji’s largest source of foreign investment and second largest trading partner in the Pacific.

“Fiji’s relationship with China is essentially premised on the mutual respect, non-interference, commitment for global peace and harmony, and Fiji’s commitment to the One-China Policy.”

“Fiji and China have a comprehensive strategic partnership, with parliamentary relations that include infrastructure, sustainable development, regionalism, multilateralism, knowledge-sharing and peace and security.”

The Hon. Speaker highlighted that recently, China had reaffirmed its commitment to adhere to the principle of ‘Four fully respects’ put forth by President Xi Jinping in developing relations with the Pacific Island countries.

He also briefed the Vice President that under the Knowledge-Sharing Strategy, two Parliamentary delegations have visited China over the past two years.

One group, led by the Deputy Speaker and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, visited the Guangdong Province whilst the other, led by the Assistant Minister for Finance the Hon. Esrom Immanuel, attended the 2024 Seminar for Members of Parliaments of Pacific Island Countries in Beijing, China.

The Vice President, H.E Zheng noted that this was the first visit to China by the Hon. Speaker and hoped that through this visit, he now has a more in-depth and comprehensive understanding of China.

On climate change, the Vice President agreed that this is a common challenge that faces the entire humanity and is the biggest security threat to Pacific Island countries, including Fiji.

“China is ready to work with Fiji to uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and make the global climate governance system more equitable and fair and one that is based on win-win cooperation.”

In the evening, the Hon. Speaker and the Parliamentary delegation met with His Excellency ZHAO Legi, the Chairman of the National Peoples’ Congress Standing Committee.

He stressed that this year holds special significance for our two nations.

“We celebrate not only the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji, but also the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the first Chinese family to our shores. These milestones are a testament to the enduring friendship and deep-rooted connections that bind our countries together.”

“Over the past 6 days, our delegation has had the extraordinary privilege of experiencing the warmth and generosity of our gracious hosts here in China.”

“On behalf of the Parliament of Fiji, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese Government for the hospitality and meticulous arrangements that have made our visit enlightening, enriching and memorable.”

The Hon. Speaker also expressed his sincere gratitude to Ambassador Zhou Jian, China’s Ambassador in Fiji, who graciously hosted the delegation at his residence in Suva and provided invaluable insights during the pre-departure briefing.

“His commitment to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration has significantly contributed to the success of our visit.”

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