Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed strong opposition to China establishing a permanent military presence in the South Pacific, stating that Fiji would not welcome such developments. He emphasized the need for the South Pacific to remain an "ocean of peace" devoid of superpower rivalries. Rabuka indicated that while China has invested significantly in regional infrastructure, such investment should not disrupt Fiji's relationships with traditional allies like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. He acknowledged the challenges faced by Pacific leaders in maintaining friendly policies with all nations.
"If they want to come, who would welcome them? Not Fiji," Rabuka told reporters during an address at Australia's National Press Club. "And I think that China understands that well."
"We do not want superpower rivalries or big power rivalries to be played out in the Pacific," Rabuka said. "China's participation in our development should not affect how we interact with Australia, New Zealand and America."
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