Political Lens

China, Fiji to deepen high-quality BRI cooperation

China and Fiji have pledged to enhance mutual political trust and deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation for the benefit of both countries and peoples.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Vice-President Han Zheng held separate meetings with Filimone Jitoko, speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji, in Beijing on Friday.

Fiji was the first Pacific Island country to establish diplomatic ties with China. This year marks the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties being established.

During the talks, Zhao expressed appreciation for Fiji's adherence to the one-China principle and called for stronger policy communication and alignment of development strategies.

He also emphasized the NPC's willingness to enhance exchanges with the Fijian Parliament and boost collaboration in multilateral mechanisms, while welcoming more Fijian lawmakers to visit China.

Jitoko reaffirmed Fiji's commitment to the one-China principle, expressed support for China's global initiatives and pledged to strengthen parliamentary exchanges.

Han said that China is ready to work with Fiji to achieve more cooperative outcomes and support each other's core interests and major concerns.

Jitoko told Han that his country is willing to expand cooperation with China in infrastructure, poverty reduction and tourism, and strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies and governments.