China willing to help Fiji development as Wang's visit boosts ties

China's support and assistance to Fiji has no political strings, is not based on self-interest or targets a third party, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday as both countries look to bolster trade ties.

As countries of different sizes, China and Fiji have always respected, understood and supported each other, Wang said when meeting with Fijian President Jioji Konrote in Fiji's capital Suva.

China attaches great importance to Fiji's influence in the Pacific islands region, Wang said, adding that China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Fiji to help its development and prosperity and jointly safeguard the legitimate rights of developing countries.

Konrote expressed gratitude to China's assistance in infrastructure, agriculture and education, which, he said, have brought concrete benefits to the people of Fiji.

Fiji is committed to the one-China policy, and hopes to learn from China's development experiences to further enhance bilateral cooperation, he said.

While meeting with Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Wang said that China welcomes Fiji to attend the China International Import Expo in Shanghai in November.

He said that the two countries should launch negotiations on a free trade agreement as soon as possible and take practical actions to uphold multilateralism and free trade.

China would like to promote better synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Fiji's 20-year National Development Plan to advance overall pragmatic cooperation, he said.

Bainimarama said that Fiji will firmly support and participate in building the Belt and Road.

Fiji is the first Pacific islands country to establish diplomatic relations with China. In 2014, the two countries established a strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common interests.