Fiji Journalists Enjoy Evening with Chinese Officials

Fijian journalists enjoyed an evening of wine, beer, kava and food with Chinese officials at a bowling club in Suva on the 20th of March, as the Chinese Communist Party continues its efforts to develop a strong influence on media narratives.

The event, described by the Chinese Embassy in Fiji as a “pleasant evening with media friends", brought together members of the local media and embassy officials in an informal setting for interaction and discussion.

In a social media post, the embassy said it welcomed media representatives to share stories on China and China–Fiji relations, as it enters the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan.

China has, in recent years, increased its engagement across the Pacific, including taking strong positions on issues such as Taiwan. It has also publicly objected to engagements involving Taiwan, including concerns raised over visits by regional figures.

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

In 2020, Chinese officials gatecrashed a Taiwan in Fiji celebration in Fiji, and the altercation turned physical, with both sides reporting injuries.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Fiji, Joseph Chow, has consistently maintained that China has no right to interfere in the foreign policy or sovereignty of Fiji or any other nation, stressing that such decisions must remain solely with the people and government of those countries.

Notably absent from the event was Fiji Times Editor Fred Wesley.

Editor’s note: Duavata News was not part of this event and has previously declined partnership approaches from Chinese officials.