The Pacific islands, situated between the United States and Asia, have become a key strategic battleground where Washington and Beijing compete for security influence. Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated on Wednesday that Fiji opposes the establishment of a military base by China in the Pacific island nations and noted that Beijing was already aware of his efforts to persuade other island leaders to unite against this.
In a speech at the National Press Club in the Australian capital on Wednesday, Rabuka emphasized that the Pacific islands are facing China’s ever-expanding geopolitical influence and mentioned that Beijing was aware of his active lobbying of other Pacific island leaders to jointly oppose China’s plans to set up a military base in the region.
Addressing regional security issues, Rabuka pointed out that if a conflict between nations were to occur in the Taiwan Strait, the Pacific region would inevitably be affected, and China and other countries have been preparing for such a scenario. He stated, “Leaders of Pacific countries have been trying to promote a policy of friendliness towards all nations and non-hostility towards any country in all recent discussions – although the road ahead is difficult, it is not impossible.”
Regarding Beijing’s actions to expand military influence in the Pacific region, Rabuka expressed Fiji’s opposition to China establishing a military base in the area. Despite China having signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands and deploying forces in multiple countries, Rabuka made it clear: “If they want to come, who will welcome them? Not Fiji.”
Rabuka believed that China does not need to rely on establishing military bases in Fiji or the Pacific region to showcase its military prowess, as Beijing has already demonstrated its projection capabilities through the test launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles. In September of last year, a missile test by China flew through Fijian airspace and eventually landed in international waters.
In response to the power struggles between major countries in the region, Rabuka is advocating for an “Ocean of Peace” initiative to ensure that external powers respect the unity of the Pacific island nations and oppose seeking security, economic, or political interests through coercive means. The leaders of the 18 member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum will discuss this initiative at their meeting in September.
The Chinese Embassy in Fiji has not responded to the Fijian Prime Minister’s statement yet. Beijing has ruled out the possibility of establishing a military base in the Solomon Islands.