China says Fiji defence ties inclusive

China asserts that its expanding defense cooperation with Fiji is open to all and does not seek to exclude any country. Senior Colonel Zhang Yu, China's Embassy Defence Attaché, emphasized that the security partnership is built on mutual respect, equality, and benefit, focusing on shared challenges.

Beijing is committed to supporting the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) through capacity building, while also continuing to collaborate with Fiji's other defense partners. "China-Fiji defence and security cooperation is never meant to shut anyone out," Senior Colonel Zhang stated. He added that China is ready to work with all of Fiji's defense partners to enhance the RFMF's operational readiness, address climate change and maritime security threats, and combat transnational organized crime like drug trafficking.

These remarks come amidst heightened geopolitical competition in the Pacific, with China, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States increasing their engagement with island nations. Senior Colonel Zhang noted over five decades of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji, highlighting the continuous strengthening of their defense cooperation. In the past year, more than 40 officers from Fiji's Ministry of Defence and the RFMF participated in exchange programs in China.

Practical cooperation examples include the visit of China's naval hospital ship to Fiji in October 2025, during which Chinese medical personnel provided extensive consultations and performed surgeries. The two countries also conducted their first joint maritime search and rescue exercise in Fijian waters, reflecting growing cooperation in humanitarian assistance and maritime security.

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China-Fiji defence and security cooperation is never meant to shut anyone out. We stand ready to work alongside all of Fiji’s defence partners to forge joint efforts in boosting the RFMF’s operational readiness, tackling climate change and maritime security threats, and countering transnational organised crime such as drug trafficking.