By MONIKA SINGH
CHINESE Ambassador to Fiji, Zhou Jian, reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Fiji and the other Pacific Island nations in their efforts to combat climate change, stating that he had first-hand knowledge of the damage and suffering that it was causing.
In a recent media briefing held at the Chinese Ambassador’s resident in Suva, Mr Zhou said that during his term in Fiji, he had seen first-hand the devastating impact of climate change in Fiji.
“Climate change poses a common challenge for all nations. Pacific Island countries are the most vulnerable and their people’s survival are under threat by climate change. Since assuming my post in Fiji, every day I can see the influence of climate change – it is a reality, not a ‘hoax’,” he said.
Mr Zhou said that in recognition of the region’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, China had vowed to continue its partnership with Fiji and the broader Pacific region to address these critical environmental challenges.
“We stand ready to work with Fiji to jointly promote the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, and strengthen cooperation in disaster prevention, clean energy, and green transition.”
Mr Zhou said “I want to emphasise that, no matter how the international situation changes, China’s policy to Fiji will remain unchanged”.
According to Mr Zhou, an important part of the partnership between China and Fiji is the shared responsibility for addressing climate change.
China, he said, was committed to ensuring that both developed and developing nations were equipped with the tools necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change.
As such, he said, they had emphasised the need for collaborative efforts in combating these threats, specifically focusing on the transfer of technology and joint scientific research.
“We are ready to help train more AI talents for specific countries to fight climate change,” Mr Zhou said.
Expanding trade and cultural ties
He noted that China’s support for Fiji in recent years, was focused on both environmental and economic partnerships, mainly through the provision of scholarships, training courses, and technological support.
“Every year, we provide scholarships to students from other countries, and we also offer training courses,” he said.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Fiji, with development being an urgent task for both countries, said Mr Zhou.
Joint efforts in development and infrastructure
Mr Zhou also updated the media on one of the major Chinese projects in Fiji—the $300 million Vanua Levu Road Upgrading Project. “After the internal approval procedures are completed, experts will be dispatched to Fiji for project design and construction will start upon completion of the design phase,” he said.
The 80km road upgrading project will see the construction of 22 bridges that will benefit the residents of 61 communities and students and teachers in 15 schools, while also improving access to medical facilities, and campuses of the University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University in Labasa.
According to Mr Zhou, preparations for building two jetties on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are also progressing smoothly.
He said trade relations between Fiji and China were also evolving, with a focus on increasing the export of Fijian goods to China.
“If you can produce high-quality goods, we are ready to import them,” he said.
He further expressed confidence in the potential for further growth in certain areas, ensuring that both nations are able to mutually benefit from these trade and economic exchanges.
The ambassador also highlighted China’s interest in supporting Fiji’s tourism industry, which remains a vital sector for both countries.
“China is willing to increase imports of Fiji’s specialty products, support Chinese enterprises in investing in Fiji, and encourage more Chinese tourists to visit Fiji.”
However, Mr Zhou acknowledged the challenges posed by limited direct flight options between Fiji and mainland China.
“There is only one direct flight from Hong Kong to Fiji but no direct flights from Fiji to mainland China,” he said, stressing the need for improved connectivity to facilitate easier travel between the two countries.
Mr Zhou noted that countries like Australia and China, as well as China and New Zealand, had frequent direct flights, making travel between those nations far more accessible.
He said direct flights between Fiji and China would unlock significant opportunities for both countries.
Mr Zhou said more Chinese tourists would be able to travel to Fiji if direct flights were available, noting that increased tourism could further improve Fiji’s economy, bringing much-needed funds for climate change mitigation projects and infrastructure development.
The media briefing was held by the embassy to update the local media and scholars on the China-Fiji relations following the conclusion of China’s Two Sessions, namely the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress and the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference early last month.
