Fiji’s new military installed Government says itwill build alliances with China and other Asian nations after being shunned by Australia and other South Pacific neighbours for coming to power in a coup.Fiji’s tourism and export-dependent economy has been suffering since the bloodless December 5 coup and the damage was worsened by sanctions and diplomatic rebukes from Australia, New Zealand and the US.
New Foreign Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, a former army commander, said Frank Bainimarama’s government would try to restore trade and diplomatic ties with its neighbours, but that it would also seek to strengthen ties with China and other Asian countries.
“We’ve gone north in the past on the other occasions and we will probably do the same this time,” Ratu Nailatikau said.
Special on location in Fiji report by The Mole
