Fiji quick to deny supposed South China Sea support

FIJI – Fiji’s government insists it has no position on the South China Sea dispute, after China’s foreign ministry suggested otherwise.

The sea – one of the world’s major trade routes – is a source of major geopolitical tension.

A statement was issued after a meeting between the two countries’ Foreign ministers, and Fiji’s government was quick to pour cold water on the assertion.

Wang Yi and Ratu Inoke Kubuabola met in Beijing on Wednesday, which was followed by a joint press release from China’s foreign ministry which said Fiji supported Beijing’s position on the South China Sea.

Fiji’s Information Ministry was quick to issue a statement of its own, saying it does not support China’s position, and has a policy of strict non-alignment.

It says Fiji believes in the strict adherence and enforcement of international law, and called for all parties to resolve disputes by peaceful means.

- RNZI