In recognition of Fiji being the first Pacific island-nation to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping held on Friday bilateral talks with Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and heads of state from seven other Pacific countries. His aim is to further strengthen strategic and economic links with these tiny islands.

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The islands comprise one of the largest voting blocs in the United Nations, which explains why Asian giants such as China and India are giving these small nations their valuable time. Beside Xi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also included a Fiji stopover in his busy itinerary before going home from the G20 Summit in Australia.

"I'm looking forward to discussing cooperation in various fields with Fijian leaders so as to chart a blueprint for our future bilateral relations," China Daily quoted Xi, who came with wife Peng Liyuan. The Chinese first couple were greeted at the airport by Bainamarama and his wife.

Xi said his visit would further improve relations between the two countries as well as the relation of China with other Pacific island-countries to a new height.

The Fijian PM took the occasion to hit Australia and New Zealand by emphasizing that China is "a true friend of Fiji" since it didn't interfere in the island's internal politics which contrasted with Canberra and Wellington's imposition of sanctions on Fiji and criticism of Bainamarama for staging a military coup in 2006 to gain political power.

In response, Xi said, quoted by ABC, "China views Fiji as a cordial friend an important partner ... China supports the people of Fiji in choosing their own development path and improving livelihoods."

Before his stopover in Fiji, Xi also visited New Zealand and met new Labour leader Andrew Little. Xi acknowledged the political party as the trailblazer in opening diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1972 as well as the signing of a Free Trade Agreement between the two nations.

China is set to ink another agreement with major cities in New Zealand to push for better cooperation at the local and provincial levels with over 600 Chinese cities and provinces. With Xi in his New Zealand meeting with local officials were the mayors of Guangzhou which has 8.5 million residents and Wuhan with 8.3 million.

TagsFiji, pacific islands