China has lodged a strong protest with Fiji after senior Fijian diplomat Filipo Tarakinikini visited Taiwan, calling the trip a violation of the one-China principle.
Tarakinikini, Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, of which Taiwan is not a member this week met Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim as part of a delegation of other UN ambassadors, including those from the Marshall Islands and Paraguay, which are Taiwanese allies.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference that the visit “severely violated Fiji’s political commitment” to Beijing.
“China firmly opposes any form of official interactions between China’s Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic ties with China,” Mao said.
“Fiji’s relevant official’s visit to Taiwan severely violated Fiji’s political commitment to the one-China principle. China strongly deplores it and has lodged serious protests with Fiji. Taiwan’s disgraceful moves will not succeed,” she said.
The statement came as China and Fiji marked the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
“Fiji is the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with New China,” Mao said.
“Over the past 50 years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, bilateral relations have come a long way through the test of time.”
She said President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages with Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to celebrate the milestone.
Mao added that China “attaches great importance” to its partnership with Fiji and remains committed to strengthening cooperation.
“We stand ready to work with Fiji to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, enhance political mutual trust, expand cooperation in various fields, elevate the China-Fiji comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights, and deliver more tangibly for the two peoples,” she said.
