China Strengthens Ties with Lau Province through Development Support

China has reaffirmed its commitment to Fiji’s development with a donation of solar-powered streetlights, household solar systems, and a mini-van to Lau Province, valued at $100,000 FJD. The handover was made by Chinese Ambassador to Fiji, Zhou Jian, during his visit to Lakeba Island, where he also attended the installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as the Paramount Chief of Lau.

Ambassador Zhou said the donation reflects China’s support for rural revitalization in Fiji and its broader goal of fostering sustainable development in the Pacific. “China will always be a good brother and partner on Fiji’s development path,” he said. “We believe what the Chinese people can achieve, the Fijian people can also achieve.”

The Ambassador emphasized that the initiative is also part of China’s efforts to support Fiji’s climate change response. He noted that solar energy represents a clean and reliable source of power, especially for remote island communities. “Pacific island countries are the most vulnerable to climate change, and China will continue to support Fiji through bilateral and multilateral channels,” he said.

Ambassador Zhou also highlighted the donation as a symbol of the strong development cooperation between China and Fiji. With 2025 marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, he said both countries should continue to align Fiji’s development strategies with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative.

“We will advance cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, trade and investment, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries,” he said. “At the same time, we will expand into new fields like green development, e-commerce, and poverty alleviation.”

The Ambassador concluded by expressing hope that such initiatives would reach more remote communities in Fiji and that the latest donation would bring “brightness and prosperity to local communities.”