Taiwan eyes deeper engagement with Fiji

台灣希望與斐濟加強合作

Representative Joseph Chow highlights collaborative nature of Taiwan-Fiji ties


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan wants closer ties with Fiji, Taiwan representative Joseph Chow (周進發) said in an interview with Duavata News.

Taiwan’s relations with Fiji go beyond diplomacy, Chow said. They are focused on capacity building and community outreach rather than one-sided relationships, according to the diplomat

“We’re not just talking about diplomatic exchanges between two governments; we’re talking about a long-standing relationship with the Fijian people,” he said. “Our focus has always been on the well-being of the people of Fiji and sustainable development.”

The Taiwan Technical Mission is helping Fiji develop its agriculture, particularly by increasing vegetable production and improving the quality and yield of tropical fruits.

The country also provides scholarships to Fijian students pursuing higher education in Taiwan in fields like technology, agriculture, and medicine. “Our scholarship programs are designed to equip young Fijians with the knowledge and skills to contribute to Fiji’s future development,” Chow said.

Taiwan’s projects with Fiji are centered on cooperation rather than competition, and they are an alternative to more “forceful approaches” sometimes adopted by larger countries, per Duavata News.

“We believe that Fiji, like other Pacific nations, benefits from a diversified network of partners,” Chow said. “We are not here to pressure Fiji or to dictate their foreign policy. We are here to help, to collaborate, and to work together in areas where we have expertise.”

Chow’s comments come as Taiwan is working to strengthen its partnerships with its Pacific Island diplomatic allies. China has been attempting to assert its influence in the region and already poached three of Taiwan’s Pacific Island allies: Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, and Nauru.

Speaking at a Lowy Institute event last week, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. vowed that his country would remain Taiwan’s ally “until death do us part.” Whipps pointed out that China is trying to convince Palau to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan but said “that decision is a sovereign decision and no country tells us who we should be friends with.”