With the rise of China’s influence in Pacific geopolitics, it would be wise for Fiji to reconsider closing down its embassy in Washington DC, Opposition MP Anare Jale told Parliament this week.
Speaking on the 2020-2021 national budget, he called on Government to reconsider its decisions.
Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had announced on July 17 of the permanent closures of some Fijian embassies across the world, among those was Washington DC.
Mr Jale said the USA was viewed as the world’s military and economic super power.
“The emerging security situation developing in the South China Sea between the USA and China will have rippling effect on the countries in the Asia and Pacific region,” he said.
“The rise of China’s influence in the geopolitics of the Pacific should be a major concern to Fiji and Pacific countries, especially in relation to debt-trap diplomacy.
“It would be prudent for the Government of Fiji to keep its mission open in Washington DC.”
