China Upset With Tarakinikini

China, which claims its aid comes with no conditions, has lodged a complaint against senior Fijian diplomat Filipo Tarakinikini for visiting Taiwan.

The Chinese Embassy in Fiji has formally protested to the Fiji Government after Mr Tarakinikini met with Taiwan’s Vice President and Foreign Minister during a visit this week.

This is not the first time China has attempted to influence the actions of a sovereign state by dictating where its representatives can visit.

China says the visit breaks Fiji’s commitment to the “One-China Policy.”

Under this policy, Fiji recognises the People’s Republic of China as the only official government of China, and does not recognise Taiwan as a separate country.

Taiwan is a self-governing island with millions of citizens and is constantly facing military threats from China.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and objects to any official contact between Taiwan and governments that have diplomatic relations with Beijing.

The Embassy said the visit “sends the wrong signal” and “harms the political foundation of China–Fiji relations.”

Mr Tarakinikini is Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

We have reached out to Taiwan in Fiji for comments.