China and Fiji Celebrate 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties Aboard Yuan Wang 6

The arrival of China’s Yuan Wang 6 space tracking ship in Suva on March 20, 2025 became a symbol of the enduring friendship and growing cooperation between Fiji and China as both nations marked 50 years of diplomatic relations and 31 years of the fleet’s visits to Fiji.

Hosted aboard the vessel, the joint reception brought together Fijian government leaders, Chinese diplomats, and the crew of the Yuan Wang 6 to celebrate the two nations' close ties and shared vision for peaceful space exploration.

Chinese Ambassador Zhou Jian said the Yuan Wang fleet represents China’s commitment to the peaceful use of outer space and has played a crucial role in major missions like the Chang’e lunar exploration and the Tianwen Mars mission, while also supporting international space projects.

“Yuan Wang has become a messenger of peace and scientific progress, helping global missions and symbolizing China’s sincerity and responsibility in the peaceful use of outer space,” Zhou said.

Ambassador Zhou also stressed that space exploration should become a new area of cooperation between China and Fiji. Students from the University of the South Pacific (USP), Fiji National University (FNU), and Yat Sen School were invited aboard the ship for scientific lectures, sparking interest in space technology.

He expressed hopes that one day Chinese and Fijian astronauts could work together aboard China’s Tiangong Space Station and say "Bula" from space.

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica echoed these sentiments, saying the visit reaffirmed the deep friendship between the two nations and acknowledged China’s ongoing contributions to Fiji’s development in infrastructure, trade, and technology.

“Suva is not just a port of call for the Yuan Wang Fleet — it is a second home,” Kamikamica said, recognizing the fleet's long-standing relationship with Fiji and the warmth it receives every visit.

He also paid tribute to the Chinese community’s 170-year contribution to Fiji’s economy, culture, and resilience, reinforcing the deep people-to-people ties that continue to strengthen the partnership.

Kamikamica emphasized that the China-Fiji relationship has grown into a strategic partnership built on mutual respect, shared development goals, and regional cooperation.

Both leaders expressed confidence that the friendship between China and Fiji will continue to thrive, bringing peace, prosperity, and progress to both nations.