Fiji's Prime Ministers meets high-powered Chinese military delegation

Major General Qian Lihua is received by the Commander of the Fiji Military Forces and Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama at the RFMF Camp yesterday. Picture: SUPPLIED

THE Fiji Military is set to receive more assistance from their Chinese counterparts after a meeting between top brass of the two armed forces took place yesterday.

A high-powered Chinese Military delegation led by Chief of the Foreign Affairs Office in China's Ministry of Defence Major General Qian Lihua was hosted by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

A Ministry of Information statement said Commodore Bainimarama expressed to Maj-Gen Lihua his appreciation for China's continued support to Fiji in terms of nation building and defence assistance.

"This latest development will also see an increased assistance in vehicles, uniforms and stationery equipment as well as training opportunities for defence personnel," the statement said.

"China's support towards Fiji's military saw the deployment of machinery towards infrastructure developments across the country to support rural development projects," the statement said.

Maj-Gen Lihua was accompanied by Chinese ambassador to Fiji, Huang Yong and was accorded a full traditional ceremony of welcome at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, Suva.

In 2011, the military forces received road construction and maintenance vehicles from the Peoples Republic of China which is assisting government with its rural development projects.

The projects are being implemented by the Fiji Military Forces.

China's partnership and bilateral relations with Fiji were strengthened following smart sanctions imposed by Australia and New Zealand in 2007.

Fiji TImes