Fiji: Fiji prefers traditional partners to China

On 2 July, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated at the National Press Club in Australia that he would “not welcome” any Chinese military base in Fiji. PM Rabuka also noted that he would use his influence as Prime Minister to prevent China from establishing a base in any Pacific island country, even though he believes the latter does not need one in the region to project power. He also disclosed that he expected an upgrade in the Vuvale Partnership between Fiji and Australia that would secure long-term support for his country. Subsequently, the Australian Government announced a package including a $FJD17.6 million ($NZD13 million) investment to improve shipping container screening at the Lautoka and Suva Ports, embedding Australian Federal Police officers in the Fiji Police Force, funding two technical advisers to lead the implementation of Fiji’s new National Security Strategy, and increasing bilateral development assistance to Fiji by $FJD56 million ($NZD41 million) from 2025 to 2029.

Assessment: PM Rabuka’s stance indicates Fiji’s preference for traditional partners, including Australia, New Zealand, and the US, rather than China. PM Rabuka’s statements are likely to elicit increased Chinese influence strategies, particularly for politicians likely to reach senior leadership after PM Rabuka retires. Despite its preference for traditional partners, Fiji will continue to exercise independent decision-making in foreign policy.

Sources: Stephen Dziedzic, “Fiji's PM Sitiveni Rabuka says China's military bases are 'not welcome' in the Pacific,” RNZ, July 2, 2025; Litia Cava, “Fiji pushes for bigger deal with Australia,” FBC, July 3, 2025; Apenisa Waqairadovu, “$734m vuvale package,” FBC, July 7, 2025.