Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka visited Canberra on October 18th with Australian leader Anthony Albanese, expressing his preference for maintaining strong ties with traditional allies like Australia. He stated that he feels more comfortable dealing with countries that have similar systems of government and Westminster-inspired democracies. This preference comes amidst ongoing competition in the region between the United States and Beijing. Rabuka’s comments reflect the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Pacific region.
During a speech at the Lowy Institute in Sydney on October 17th, Rabuka proposed the establishment of a “peace zone” in the Pacific. This proposal would involve a commitment to refrain from actions that could jeopardize stability in the region while respecting the sovereignty of Pacific nations. Rabuka emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and consensus in the Pacific way, as well as the protection and conservation of the environment as key elements for promoting harmony and peace. He intends to present this proposal to the Pacific Island Forum during their upcoming meeting in the Cook Islands in November.
Regarding Beijing’s growing influence in the region, Rabuka stated that Fiji’s position is clear. The country wants to maintain friendly relationships with both Beijing and the US and does not want to be caught in the struggle between the superpowers. He expressed confidence that Beijing would be responsive to the peace plan.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed support for Rabuka’s peace plan, stating that Australia shares the vision. She emphasized the importance of responding to Pacific priorities for enhancing regional security. The Australia-Fiji relationship is significant, with Australia providing economic, development, and security assistance to Fiji. This cooperation was formalized in 2019 through the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership. During the meeting between the two prime ministers, Australia also agreed to supply Fiji with 14 Bushmaster armored military vehicles and is working on a cybersecurity collaboration accord. Prime Minister Albanese announced an increase in financial assistance to help Fiji recover economically from the severe impact of COVID-19 lockdowns, particularly on the country’s tourism sector. Australia is one of Fiji’s major trading partners and works closely with Fiji on defense issues, conducting regular joint exercises.
Fiji’s relationship with Beijing is complex and evolving. While Beijing provides foreign investment and aid to Fiji, including infrastructure and tourism development, Fiji has become more cautious in its dealings with Beijing in recent years. Fiji is wary of Beijing’s debt-trap diplomacy through the Belt and Road Initiative, which involves extending debt to borrowing nations to increase political leverage. Although Fiji has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Beijing on Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, it is not officially part of the initiative and is not committed to any specific investments at present.