"Fiji, as the first Pacific Island Country (PIC) to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1975, the five-decade history of the Fiji-China relationship acts as a pilot case study, showcasing whether the principles of China's new governance model, centered on mutual respect and win-win cooperation, can genuinely address the unique development and climate challenges faced by a small island developing state (SIDS)."
Josaia Gonewai, Special Administrator of Suva City Council in Fiji, shared insights on China-Fiji relations, global governance, and cooperation with Guangdong during an exclusive interview with GO Guangdong as he attended the 2025 Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou.
As a key figure in Suva's urban governance, Gonewai highlighted the strategic value of China-Fiji cooperation and the unique inspiration of China's development model.
Josaia Gonewai visits Jiangmen's Taishan during the GO Guangdong Unseen Rural China Tour prior to the opening of the 2025 Understanding.
China plays a crucial role in Global South cooperation
“Economically, China has consistently contributed around 30 percent to annual global growth, with its total output projected to reach approximately 140 trillion RMB in 2025. This momentum is increasingly guided by the new development philosophy, which has driven a critical shift toward "high-quality development", Gonewai commented.
With the theme "New Plan, New Development, New Choices: Chinese Modernization and New Vision for Global Governance", Gonewai emphasized that China's perspective on global governance resonates deeply with developing countries such as Fiji. "China advocates sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs, which are fundamental principles for fair global relations," Gonewai stated.
In his opinion, China's commitment to peaceful development, written in its constitution, contrasts sharply with historical patterns of modernization driven by hegemony or expansion.
He noted, by demonstrating that a large, developing country can achieve prosperity without following a Western-defined template, China offers an alternative development model that resonates deeply with the Global South.
This year marks the 170th Anniversary of Chinese Arrival in Fiji and the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Fiji. "We have held a series of celebrations to honor this shared history," Gonewai noted. "The Chinese community has been an integral part of Fiji's social and economic development, and these events further consolidate the long-standing friendship between our two nations."
Regarding climate change cooperation, a pressing concern for Fiji as a SIDS, Gonewai stressed the need for enhanced collaboration. "Fiji is severely affected by climate change, so we urgently need to strengthen adaptation and mitigation measures," he said.
"We hope to deepen cooperation with China through South-South cooperation mechanisms, particularly in climate finance, trade facilitation, and disaster response." He acknowledged China's consistent support to Fiji's climate response through South-South cooperation, providing necessary adaptation and mitigation assistance through bilateral and multilateral channels.
Cooperation with Guangdong highlighted in 15th five-year plan period
As Suva's Special Administrator, Gonewai oversees the city's strategic planning, policy implementation, and promotes local-level exchanges with China. He highlighted the fruitful cooperation between Suva and Guangdong in multiple fields.
"Chinese funding and technical expertise have been instrumental in significant Fijian infrastructure projects, including hydropower schemes, road upgrades (such as the Queen Elizabeth Drive corridor), and the construction of the multi-purpose stadium in Suva," Gonewai elaborated.
He highlighted that these projects, often tied to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), are framed as accelerating Fiji's own development strategies, directly impacting areas, such as energy security and urban mobility.
He added that Suva is currently advancing road network optimization projects, drawing on China's advanced traffic management technologies and efficient construction experience to address local congestion issues.
With China entering the 15th five-year plan period, Gonewai believes there are even broader opportunities for cooperation between Suva and provinces in China.
A glimpse of Fiji's street
"I'm deeply impressed by Guangzhou's clean and orderly urban environment, efficient traffic flow, and citizens' strong sense of rule following." Gonewai shared his positive impression of his first visit to Guangzhou.
"The city has done an excellent job balancing the development of small and medium-sized enterprises with large enterprises, setting a great example for urban development," he said.
Looking ahead, Gonewai outlined areas for further cooperation with Guangdong. "We hope to learn from Guangzhou's successful practices in waste management, risk prevention, and environmental protection," he said. "We also aim to promote Fiji's transition to new energy by introducing electric vehicles and public transport systems to reduce fossil fuel dependence."
Guangdong and Fiji have achieved remarkable results in medical cooperation. For instance, Guangdong medical teams have carried out the "Brightness Journey" cataract surgery program and diabetes management projects in Fiji.
Gonewai recognized Guangdong's achievements in diabetes control and eye disease treatment in the public health sector. "Guangdong has accumulated rich experience in these areas," he noted. "We look forward to more medical assistance and experience sharing with Guangdong under government frameworks in the future."
From global governance vision to local-level practical cooperation, the exchanges between China and Fiji embody the spirit of mutual respect and win-win development. As Gonewai emphasized, such cooperation not only addresses immediate development needs but also fosters long-term bonds between the two peoples.
Reporter | Zhou Hongdou
Editor | Yin Juewen
Photo | Ding Hefei, Chen Jinxia