China's Hospital Ship to Visit Fiji, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

In October, the Silk Road Ark, a large hospital ship from China, will visit Fiji for a week. The mission aims to provide high-quality medical services to the local community. This visit is part of China's ongoing commitment to supporting Fiji in the healthcare sector.

The upcoming mission will be the first overseas trip for the hospital ship, which was designed and built in China. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji. China views the two countries as natural partners in the Global South and emphasizes that its support for Fiji and other South Pacific island nations will remain consistent, regardless of policy changes elsewhere.

China's assistance to Pacific island countries is provided without any political conditions, and this support has significantly improved local living conditions. China's support is driven by shared interests and mutual respect, not geopolitical concerns. The international community should respect the right of island nations to choose their own development paths and international partners.

Beyond the hospital ship mission, China will continue existing projects, such as free cataract surgeries, and will send medical specialists to serve the Fijian people. China will also offer more opportunities for Fijian students to study medicine in China.

Public health cooperation highlights the people-to-people connections between China and Fiji. Discussions have taken place regarding dengue fever control and other healthcare projects.

China and Fiji should work together to protect the multilateral trade system, with the World Trade Organization at its core. China is a major trading partner of Fiji, with bilateral trade reaching a significant amount last year. The two countries are discussing the launch of direct flights by the end of this year, and more win-win cooperation is expected.

This year also marks the 170th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese people in Fiji. The Chinese community in Fiji is encouraged to respect local laws, live harmoniously with the Fijian people, and contribute to the country's development. They are seen as a bridge between the two countries and are expected to play an even greater role in fostering friendly relations in the future.