China’s new Ambassador-Designate to Fiji, Chen Haiping, has pledged to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries following his arrival in Suva yesterday.
Mr Chen, who arrived on October 25, will serve as the 15th Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Fiji.
Mr Chen said he was honoured to take up the diplomatic posting and committed himself to further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Fiji.
“China and Fiji are good friends, good partners and good brothers,” he said.
“Over the past 51 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, our two countries have always upheld mutual respect and common development, deepened political mutual trust, and achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation across various fields.”
Mr Chen highlighted Fiji’s contribution to international peacekeeping, climate justice and ocean protection, saying small island nations played an important role in addressing global challenges.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Chinese community to Fiji’s multicultural society over more than 170 years.
Mr Chen said the relationship between the two countries had entered a new phase following Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to China in 2024 and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He said China would continue supporting Fiji’s development priorities through closer cooperation.
“Looking ahead, China will continue to grow its relations with Fiji in the principle of ‘four fully respects’, strengthen the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with development strategies of Fiji and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and provide sincere support for Fiji in pursuing its development and revitalisation.”
Mr Chen said China was committed to working with Fiji to promote regional peace, stability and prosperity.
“We will work hand in hand to build a community with a shared future between China and Fiji, and together make the Pacific an ocean of peace, friendship and cooperation.”
He also expressed appreciation for the welcome extended by representatives of Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Chinese businesses, the Chinese community and diplomats from the Chinese Embassy.
“I will devote myself wholeheartedly to my duties and work tirelessly to turn our shared vision into reality,” he said.
Mr Chen said he looked forward to working with the Fijian Government and other stakeholders to implement agreements reached by the leaders of both countries and further strengthen China-Fiji relations.
