On March 20, the Chinese Ambassador Cai Jinbiao attended the luncheon of the Rotary Club of Suva and made a speech titled China Is the Opportunity for the Pacific Island Countries. Mr. Hemendra Nagin, President of the Rotary Club, hosted the luncheon. Members of the Club, representatives from the diplomatic missions and business community were present.

In his speech, Amb. Cai briefed the audience on China's rapid development since it adopted the policy of reform and opening-up 30 years ago. He said, over the 30 years, China has made great achievements in various aspects and witnessed historical changes. China has maintained sustained and fast economic growth and its economic strength increased considerably. Life has been significantly improved for the Chinese people, who just managed to meet basic needs in the past now begin to enjoy general prosperity. The Chinese culture is thriving as never before, and the ethical standards of the whole society have been improved. The fundamental reason for such achievement is that China has found a path of development that suits its national conditions. China will stay on the course of peaceful development and persist in the comprehensive opening-up strategy for win-win progress, unswervingly pursue, and promote the building of a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.

Amb. Cai said China attaches great importance to its relations with the Pacific Island Countries(PICs) and is willing to develop friendly relations and cooperation with PICs on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. The aim of China's policy toward the PICs is to maintain regional stability and promote the sustainable development of economy and society of the island countries. The respective economies are mutually complementary. There are huge potentials for bilateral cooperation. China's booming economy will provide PICs with unprecedented opportunity and driving power. Following the principle of "looking to the future, advancing steadily and working for mutual benefit and common development", we can certainly make new progress in our economic cooperation and trade ties. This is in the interests of both sides. Both being developing countries, China is keenly aware of the difficulties the PICs face in their development endeavor. Over the years, China has provided assistance without any political strings attached to the PICs to the best of our ability, which have been sincerely welcomed by the island countries governments and their peoples. China will continue to do so and support the PICs to realize sustainable development. As far as China is concerned, to foster friendship and cooperation with the PICs is not a diplomatic expediency. Rather, it is a strategic decision.

Amb. Cai elaborated on China's policy on the Taiwan question, briefed the audience of the current situation across the Taiwan Straits, and condemned the separatist moves of the Taiwan authorities aimed at "Taiwan independence" especially their attempt to seek the "de jure independence" through the so-called referendum on joining the UN under the name Taiwan. He also criticized the Taiwan authorities' "Dollar Diplomacy" in the South Pacific region which undermined peace and stability in the region.

Amb. Cai also reviewed the China-Fiji relations and answered questions concerning the Beijing Olympic Games, China's policy on religious belief and etc.