PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he does not expect China to respond strongly or negatively to the signing of the Veitacini Treaty.
Mr Rabuka argued that the agreement should not be seen as a threat to existing diplomatic relationships in the region.
The Ocean of Peace Alliance, also known as the Veitacini Treaty, is a defence and security arrangement between Fiji and Australia aimed at strengthening co-operation on sovereignty protection and supporting peace and stability across the Pacific.
While it enhances security ties between the two countries, it is framed as a partnership that does not interfere with broader international relationships.
“I do not expect China to have any severe pushback from either governments,” he said.
“And I believe that they will welcome the understanding that it is between Australia and Fiji.
Mr Rabuka stressed that the agreement is not directed against any third country, including China, and should instead be understood as a bilateral understanding focused on regional stability.
He indicated that Fiji’s partnerships with different countries can coexist without requiring alignment against others.
“It does not threaten Fiji’s relationship with China nor Australia’s relationship with China.
“And as we have made it very clearly in the past, your enemies are not necessarily my enemies.”
The treaty itself is built on principles of peaceful dispute resolution, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in domestic affairs.
It also clarifies that it does not override either Fiji’s or Australia’s existing international commitments, reinforcing its position as a co-operative rather than confrontational security agreement.
