Fijian PM Proposes Pacific ‘Peace Zone’ Amid Beijing Aggression

Fijian Prime Minister says he’s more comfortable dealing with traditional friends, like Australia, with similar styles of government and democracy.

People's Alliance Party leader Sitiveni Rabuka gestures during a press conference while counting resumes after the Fijian election in Suva, Fiji, on Dec. 17, 2022. Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed a preference for continuing strong ties with long-standing allies like Australia, during a Oct. 18 visit to Canberra with Australian leader Anthony Albanese.

The Fijian prime minister said he was “more comfortable dealing with traditional friends” that had a similar system of government and Westminster-inspired democracy amid ongoing competition in the region between the United States and Beijing.