I think Murray McCully needs to stop worrying about the “Whales” and start concentrating on Fiji and how to gain favour with Fiji again. As I have repeatedly said about our parlous relationship with Fiji, the current stance, inherited from the Clark regime hasn’t worked, isn’t working, unless of course our foreign policy goals include ceding influence in the Pacific to China.
Today the Fiji Sun reports that China has told Fiji that they can count on them. In other words they can’t count on us or Australia.
The People’s Republic of China has many projects lined up for Fiji, it has been revealed.
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China’s Political Section secretary Wu Chunlai last night indicated that they are happy to assist Fiji at any time.
He said apart from the ongoing projects, they are working with the Fiji Government for future projects as well.
“Yes, we have many projects.”
“They are not only for the future but also for now,” Mr Chunlai said.
He said China’s assistance comes in the area where the Fiji Government is lacking.
China’s assistance to Fiji through aid in 2006 was F46million before it rose to a staggering $F322m in 2007.
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China this month signed the contract for the construction of a multi-cargo vessel.
This will be donated to the Fiji Government.
Chinese companies are helping with Chinese financed development projects around the country.
Also assistance is made by supplying tonnes of NPK fertilizer for the Ministry of Primary Industries, donation of sewing machines to the Ministry of Women and higher level of professionalism in the area of rescue operations and fire fighting for the National Fire Authority.
It is high time that some serious questions were asked of MFaT officials and why they still advise that NZ keep following our current failed policy with regard to Fiji.
On the other hand Fiji is now poised to become the Hong Kong of the South Pacific with assistance from China. Given they are already the wealthiest country in the South Pacific this should make Fiji even more attractive for investment. If I was the Commodore I probably wouldn’t return McCully’s calls either. It isn’t worth the grief.
