President Xi Jinping Returns to China After Oceania Visit
Marcel Woo | | Nov 23, 2014 09:56 AM EST |
China's President Xi Jinping receives a hongi, a traditional Maori welcome, from Maori elder Lewis Moeau (R) as he arrives on the Government House grounds in Wellington, New Zealand November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Anthony Phelps
Following a successful three-nation official visit to Oceania, Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to China's capital, Beijing, on Sunday night with renewed ties with Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
President Xi, who was with his wife Peng Liyuan and several high ranking Chinese government officials, arrived in Beijing on Sunday night after attending the 9th G20 Summit in Brisbane, Australia and after paying state visits to New Zealand and Fiji.
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In Fiji, the Chinese president vowed to further strengthen ties with the Pacific island country in various fields. It was the first time in history that a Chinese president has sat foot in Fiji for a state visit, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
President Xi was welcomed by Fijian President Ratu Epeli Naila-tikau last Friday and immediately held talks with Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama on Saturday and pledged continued assistance to Fiji.
The Chinese president hailed Fiji as a crucial cooperative partner of China among the Pacific island countries and appreciated Fiji's efforts to prioritize establishing further cooperation with China in its "Look North Policy".
Xi announced that his government will continue to help Fiji in developing its economy and announced opening a Chinese culture center in the said country.
President Xi also delivered a keynote speech during a group meeting with Fiji's Bainarama, Federated States of Micronesia President Emanuel Mori, Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, Prime Minister of Vanuatu Joe Natuman, the Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, Tonga Prime Minister Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano and Niue Premier Toke Talagi in Nadi, Fiji.
Assistant Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang told a press briefing that China has forged diplomatic ties with eight Pacific island countries, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands and Niue.
China has expanded cooperation with these countries in areas including economy and trade, agriculture and minerals, said Zheng, adding the total trade volume between China and these countries reached US$4.42 billion last year.
Xi's entourage included his wife Peng; Wang Huning, a member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee' Political Bureau and CPC Central Committee Policy Research Office director; Li Zhanshu, a hank ranking official who holds the multiple posts of member of the CPC Central Committee's Political Bureau and member of the CPC Central Committee's Secretariat as well as director of the CPC Central Committee's General Office; and State Councilor Yang Jiechi.
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