China wants Sino-Fijian relations to go to higher level

China on Friday signed three agreements with Fiji to expand economic and technological cooperation and offer more favorable loans to the South Pacific island nation.

The two sides also agreed to boost infrastructure, agricultural and tourism collaboration, and to keep communicating regarding climate change issues.

The three agreements, one on favorable loans for Fiji's Nabouwalu-Dreketi road upgrading project, and two framework documents, were signed in the presence of China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

No other details of the documents were revealed.

Wu arrived in Nadi on Thursday night to begin the first-ever official visit to Fiji by a chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee.

During a meeting with Bainimarama on Friday morning, Wu said that China considers Fiji a "good friend" among the Pacific island countries and would like to elevate Sino-Fijian relations to a new and higher level.

Wu said that Fiji was the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1975, and that good relations between the two countries are conducive to the stability and growth of the entire Asia-Pacific region and of the two countries.

Wu said that China would continue to offer assistance to Fiji and encourage Chinese companies to engage in more projects in the country. Cooperation in areas such as agriculture, tourism, human resources and infrastructure construction should be enhanced, he added. Bainimarama also said that Fiji would like to further expand cooperation with China, particularly in those sectors. He reiterated that Fiji supports the one-China principle and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.

During the talks, Wu also said that China would continue to support the legitimate demands of Pacific island countries, including Fiji, in sectors such as sustainable development, energy security, marine resources protection and climate change.

Wu said that China fully understands the particular concerns on climate change issue from some island countries. He said that under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities", developing countries should join hands to urge developed countries to fulfill their obligations.

He also proposed that the two countries expand cooperation in energy conservation and environmental protection. And Bainimarama added that Fiji would like to keep communicating with China on these issues.

Wu is scheduled to meet Fiji's President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau to further exchange views on bilateral ties and other relevant issues before he leaves for Beijing on Sunday.