Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka Says Chinese Military Bases Are Unwelcome in the Pacific
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has openly rejected the idea of Chinese military bases in the Pacific, signaling a firm stance against Beijing’s potential security expansion in the region. Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, Rabuka stated unequivocally, “Not Fiji,” when asked whether Chinese bases should be welcomed in the Pacific.
While he dismissed the need for Chinese military bases, Rabuka emphasized that he does not believe China is actively pursuing such facilities in the Pacific, citing the country’s geographic position and its ability to project power from the mainland. “They’ve shown they don’t need a base outside China to operate globally,” he said.
“Not on My Watch”
Rabuka made it clear he would personally oppose any such move in the region. “As long as I’m prime minister, yes,” he said when asked whether he would use his influence to prevent China from establishing a base. He added that he believed Beijing understood Fiji’s position.
The Fijian leader acknowledged China’s growing influence in the Pacific and described the challenge smaller nations face in maintaining a balanced diplomatic stance: “friendly to all and enemies to none.” While he praised President Xi Jinping’s domestic leadership, Rabuka remained skeptical that China needed a physical military presence in the Pacific.
Divergence from Australia’s View
Rabuka’s stance diverges from that of the Australian government, which has warned of China’s strategic ambitions in the region, including the construction of dual-use infrastructure that could serve military purposes. Australia’s Minister for the Pacific, Pat Conroy, has stated that Beijing continues to seek a security presence through expanded police cooperation and other means.
Mihai Sora of the Lowy Institute noted that while Canberra would welcome Rabuka’s opposition to a base, the Fijian leader appears hesitant to recognize China’s broader strategic objectives. “He doesn’t connect influence with military access,” Sora observed, suggesting Australia must work harder to align its security vision with regional partners like Fiji.
Proposal for a New Bilateral Agreement
Rabuka also proposed a new formal agreement with Australia, suggesting the two nations may have reached a point where their deepening partnership should be codified through a treaty. This would ensure the relationship remains resilient regardless of changes in political leadership. While he offered few specifics, Rabuka said the agreement would enhance cooperation and provide consistency.
Advocating for an “Ocean of Peace”
The Fijian prime minister plans to promote a new regional framework—an “Ocean of Peace”—at a Pacific leaders’ summit in the Solomon Islands in September. This initiative would call for mutual respect, peaceful collaboration, and adherence to international law, while reinforcing Pacific nations’ expectations that external powers act respectfully and without coercion.
“This means respect for the Pacific way,” Rabuka said. “Respect for norms and law. No coercion.”
