On April 4, 2006, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council held talks with his Fijian counterpart Laisenia Qarase in Nadi, Fiji.
Wen said that despite geographical distance keeping the two countries far apart, their peoples hold friendly feelings towards each other. Both sides have conducted effective cooperation based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits. Bilateral relations are exemplary for friendly cooperation between China and Pacific Islands countries.
Wen indicated that both sides are developing nations located in the Asia-Pacific region and share lots of common interest in safeguarding state sovereignty and regional stability, as well as the same task of promoting national economic and social development. There is basis and need for both sides to strengthen bilateral relations and such efforts conform to fundamental interest of the two countries and their people. China attaches great importance to bilateral relations and will continue to develop friendly cooperation with Fiji based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and support Fiji's efforts in developing national economy, maintaining social stability and striving for rights and interest of islands countries on the international arena. Wen hoped that both sides will keep closer high-level exchanges, build up mutual political trust, give play to their respective advantages, expand area of economic and trade cooperation, strengthen regional cooperation and jointly safeguard and advance peace and prosperity of Asia-Pacific region.
Qarase fully agreed with Wen's comments on bilateral relations. He said that Fiji is satisfied that bilateral relations have been continuously consolidated and developed since the establishment of diplomatic ties 31 years ago. Both sides have signed a range of political documents, laying a solid basis for bilateral relations to develop more vigorously in the new century. Fiji thanks the Chinese government and people for offering disinterested support and assistance for its economic and social development for a long period of time and would like to draw lessons from China's successful experience in development, strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China and establish a close partnership of mutual respect and mutual trust.
When talking about the Taiwan question, Wen pointed out that this question involves China's core interest. The one-China principle is the political foundation of bilateral relations, as well as a key to ensuring development of such relations. China appreciates the Fijian government for its position of adhering to the one-China policy and opposing "Taiwan independence".
Qarase reaffirmed that the Fijian government pursues the one-China policy and acknowledges the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole China and Taiwan is a part of China. Fiji opposes any activities to create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan", opposes "Taiwan independence" and will not conduct any official exchanges with Taiwan. Fiji will continue abiding by the abovementioned principles in the future.
The talks were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and have scored achievements in the following four aspects. First, both countries have decided to establish and develop "China-Fiji important cooperative partnership". Second, Fiji acknowledges China's full market economy status. Third, to establish bilateral joint committee on economy and trade. Fourth, both countries will support and cooperate with each other in international and regional affairs.
Following the talks, the two leaders jointly attended the signing ceremony of the agreement on economic and technological cooperation between the two governments and other bilateral cooperative documents. Both sides also issued the Joint Press Communiqué between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of The Republic of the Fiji Islands.