I. Bilateral political relations
China and Fiji established diplomatic relations on November 5, 1975. Since
then, the relations between the two countries have developed smoothly. China
opened its embassy in Fiji in 1976 and accredited a resident ambassador to Fiji.
Starting from 1982, Fiji's ambassador to Japan has acted concurrently its
ambassador to China. In 2001,Fiji opened its Embassy in China and accredited a
resident ambassador to China.
The leaders of the two countries have paid visits to each other frequently.
The Chinese leaders who have visited Fiji include: Hu Yaobang, the CCP General
Secretary, (1985); President Yang Shangkun (in 1990 for a stopover); Premier Li
Peng (1992); Qiao Shi, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress, (in 1992 for a stopover); Li Ruihuan, Chairman of the
National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference,
(in 1995 for a stopover); Peng Chong, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing
Committee, (in 1992); Tian Jiyun, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee
(in 1994 for a stopover);Wang Bingqian, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing
Committee, (in 1995 and 1996 for a stopover); Zhou Guangzhao, Vice Chairman of
the NPC National Committee, (in 2000); Vice Premier Chen Muhua (in 1979); Vice
Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen (in 1996); Chi Haotian, Vice Chairman
of the Central Military Committee,(1998)?and Wu Yi, Minister of Foreign Economic
Cooperation and Trade, (in 1998).
The Fijian leaders who have visited China include: Governor-General Ratu Sir
Penaia Ganilau (in 1980); President Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau (in 1991), Prime
Minister Sir Kamisese Mara (in 1979, 1985, 1988 and 1990), Prime Minister
Sitiveni Rabuka (1994), Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudury (1999), Prime Minister
Laisenia Qarase (2002), Speaker of the House of Representatives Apenisa
Kurisangila (in 1993), Speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikou (in 2002, when attending a
conference), President of the Senate Sokanauto (in 1993), President of the
Senate Josefa Iloilo (in 1996), President of the Senate Taito Waqavakatoga (in
2002 when attending a conference), Foreign Minister Filipe Bole (in 1987),
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Beranado Vuninbobo (in 1997), Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Suger Kaliopate Tavola (in 2001 and 2002), Minister
of Youth, Employment and Sports Kaukimoci (1998), Minister of Youth , Employment
and Sports Isireli Leweniqila (in 2002), Minister of Finance James Ah Koy (in
1998), Minister of Fishery and Forestry(in 2002), Minister of Finance Kubuabola
(in 2002, when attending a conference), Minister of Health Smith(in 1999),
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Singh (in 1999),Minister of Women and
Culture Padarath (in 2000),Commander of the Fijian Armed Forces Sitiveni Rabuka
(in 1990) and Commander of the Fijian Armed Forces Epeli Ganilau (in 1992) and
1997).
II. Bilateral economic and trade relations
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the bilateral trade has
increased by a large margin. In 1976, the volume of the bilateral trade was only
US$ 2.3 million, and all was export from China. In 2002, the total trade volume
between China and Fiji was US$31.968 million, of which China's export volume was
US$30.567 million and its import volume was US$1.401 million. At present, Fijiis
China's second largest trade partner among the South Pacific islands (next only
to Papua New Guinea).The main commodities exported from China to Fiji are
textiles, light industrial products and mechanical and electrical products. And
the main commodities imported by China from Fiji are raw sugar in the past and
saw log and some synthetics.
III. Cultural exchanges
Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Fiji,
several Chinese martial art and acrobatic troupes have visited Fiji to give
performance. In August 2001, the Fiji Television Station began to relay the
ninth program from the China Central Television. In 2002, ten Fiji students came
to study in China, including two students with scholarships from the Chinese
Government. 800 Chinese students studied in the Fiji branch campus of the
Central Queens land University in Australia, and two Chinese language teachers
taught in the Yat-sen Chinese School. In January 2003, the Fijian side held a
"Chinese Week" in the Capital, and China's Tianjin Acrobatic Troupe proceeded to
Fiji to give performance. In May, the project of the multi-functional gymnasium
built with Chinese assistance to Fiji was completed.
IV. Major bilateral agreements
The Joint Communiqué of the Government of the People's Republic of China and
the Government of Fiji Concerning the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
Between the Two Countries issued on November 5, 1975.
The Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and
the Government of the Sovereign and Democratic Republic of Fiji Concerning the
Retaining of Fiji's Honorary Consul in the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region of China concluded in 1997.
The Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and
the Government of the Sovereign and Democratic Republic of Fiji Concerning
Cooperation in Civil Aviation concluded in 1997.
The Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and
the Government of the Sovereign and Democratic Republic of Fiji concerning Trade
Cooperation concluded in 1997.
The Press Communiqué of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of
Fiji Islands issued in 1999.
The Agreement of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the
Government of the Republic of Fiji Islands Concerning the Economic and Technical
Cooperation concluded in 2001.
The Joint Statement of the Government of the People's Republic of China and
the Government of the Republic of Fiji Islands concerning the strengthening and
promotion of the Friendly and Cooperative Relations issued in 2002.
(Source:fmprc.gov.cn, Last Update: December 9, 2003)