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China-Fijian bilateral relations
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-04-03 10:14

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 Communiqu�� 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 Communiqu�� 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)

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