China's policy toward Pacific Island nations is guided by what it calls the "four fully respects", covering political, economic, cultural, and regional cooperation, said Lenora Qereqeretabua, Fiji's Assistant Foreign minister on Wednesday at the ongoing Third China-Pacific Island Countries (PICs) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province.
She made the remarks during a group interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) at the two-day event, which is attended by foreign ministers and representatives from 11 island countries.
Qereqeretabua explained that the "four fully respects" include fully respecting the sovereignty and independence of Pacific Island countries in building relationships, fully respecting the will of these countries, fully respecting the ethnic and traditional cultures of the Pacific region, and fully respecting the efforts of Pacific Island countries to strengthen unity and cooperation.
She also emphasized this principle has played an important role in fostering partnership and resolving challenges.
"That has been how we have had our relationship with China over the soon to be celebrated 50 years. It's important for Fiji in our context, we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary. And our cooperation over the years reflects the common interests that we hold between Fiji and China. The leaders' consensus as per the outcomes of my Prime Minister's visit, expressly states that the parties, and I quote, 'have agreed to continue to deepen their comprehensive partnerships,' which is also embodied in the 'four fully respects'. So for us, it's knowing that China, as our partner, fully respects our sovereignty and our decisions to make decisions based on our needs in our own context. And likewise, our relationship with China, that's the same for our relationships with other bilateral relationships. Mutual respect is one of the most important things," Qereqeretabua stated.
China's "four fully respects" key to fostering strong partnership: Fijian Assistant FM
