Taiwan Urges China to Respect Fiji’s Sovereignty

Taiwan has urged China to respect Fiji’s sovereignty and its right to determine its own foreign policy, following a public statement by the Chinese Embassy in Fiji reiterating Beijing’s position that Taiwan is an “inalienable part” of China.

In response, Taiwan Ambassador to Fiji Joseph Chow categorically rejected the claim, saying it “distorts historical reality” and misrepresents the long-standing status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

“The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country,” Ambassador Chow said in a statement issued by the Taipei Trade Office in the Republic of Fiji.

“It exercises full and effective jurisdiction over its territory through its own constitution, democratically elected government, armed forces, and independent judiciary. The authorities in Beijing have never exercised sovereignty over Taiwan. This is an objective and indisputable fact.”

Ambassador Chow placed strong emphasis on Fiji’s sovereign rights, stating that Fiji — as an independent nation — has the full and unquestionable authority to determine its own foreign policy and external engagements.

“No external power has the authority to dictate, condition, or interfere in Fiji’s diplomatic choices,” the statement said.

He stressed that respect for sovereignty and non-interference are fundamental principles of international relations, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and apply equally to all states, regardless of size.

Taiwan in Fiji further stated that it firmly opposes any external power that seeks, through coercion or pressure, to undermine or threaten Fiji’s sovereign decision-making.

“Fiji’s choices are its own and must be respected without intimidation or interference,” the statement added.

The comments follow a post by the Chinese Embassy in Fiji stating that countries maintaining diplomatic ties with China must not engage in official exchanges with what it described as “China’s Taiwan region.”

Duavata News has sought clarification from the Chinese Embassy as to whether its position regarding Taiwan forms part of any conditions attached to Chinese development assistance to Fiji.

At the time of publication, the Chinese Embassy in Fiji has not responded to those questions.