The People’s Liberation Army is the blunt instrument of repression of the Chinese Communist Party.
It massacred anywhere between several hundred and several thousand Chinese citizens who took part in the demonstrations in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989. It is engaged in mounting harassment and intimidation of the democracy of Taiwan. It threatens China’s neighbours like the Philippines and Vietnam who contest Beijing’s unlawful territorial claims in the South China Sea. It is assisting Russia in the invasion of Ukraine. Yet it enjoys the full support of the Fiji, so much so that a stellar line-up of the country’s leadership was present at a Chinese Embassy function in Suva on Friday night to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the founding of the PLA.
Yes, Fiji, the Coalition government, in our name, lends our support to the enforcers of the Chinese dictatorship. And our leaders parrot the spin of the Chinese Communist Party that the PLA is somehow a force for good in the world when on the evidence, it is – along with the Russian military – the greatest threat to global peace and the wellbeing of democracies everywhere.
It beggars belief that our Home Affairs Minister, Pio Tikoduadua – who is in charge of national security – would publicly praise the PLA, given its record. But this is what he did in a speech on Friday night at a lavish Chinese Embassy reception to celebrate the PLA’s birthday. The following is what has been reported by the official Chinese news agency, Xinhua, and has now become part of Beijing’s propaganda narrative around the world.
Acknowledging the vital role that military forces play in maintaining global peace and stability, Tikoduadua said the PLA’s contributions to international peacekeeping missions, disaster relief efforts and humanitarian assistance underscore the importance of cooperation and solidarity among nations in addressing the challenges of our time.
It wasn’t just Pio Tikoduadua who turned up to celebrate the PLA. Two Deputy Prime Ministers were also there, Manoa Kamikamica and Viliame Gavoka. And incredibly so was the resident outlaw – the Acting Chief Justice, Salesi Temo – standing in as President of the Republic in the absence of Ratu Wiliame Katonivere in Paris.
What is our Acting Head of State doing on behalf of all Fijians celebrating the birthday of a foreign military force with such an appalling human rights record, including the massacre of its own citizens? We already know that Salesi Temo is totally bereft of judgment but this was an outrage that must not be repeated.
Every year, the great and good in Fiji – and not a few villains – turn up for China’s national day – the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, which is not a genuine people’s republic but the construct of an unelected elite. This anniversary, like other national days, is a routine diplomatic obligation and perfectly legitimate. But there is no earthly reason for representatives of a democracy like Fiji to turn up en masse to celebrate the anniversary of the foundation of the Chinese military.
Consider this. We have diplomatic relations with Russia. Would we turn up for a reception in Suva hosted by the non-resident Russian Ambassador to commemorate the founding of the Russian military given its conduct in Ukraine? Of course not. We even sent our President recently to a political gathering to garner support for Ukraine. Er, on second thoughts, maybe our leaders would turn up for free Russian vodka and caviar. Because they seem to be for sale to the highest bidder as much as any Moscow street walker.
The one saving grace, if there was one, was that this year’s birthday celebration of the PLA wasn’t at the Yue Lai Restaurant, hosted by Beijing’s self-acknowledged agent of influence in Fiji – the shadowy Zhao Fugang. Ever since Fugang was fingered by the Australian media as a prime official Australian target for suspected drug trafficking in the region, he has gone very quiet.
There is no sign of him in the official photos of Friday’s gathering after being very much in the picture at previous PLA events. But to make up for it, there was the business partner of another member of the Chinese underbelly in Suva – the convicted drug and human trafficker Jason Zhong – who just happens to be a Fijian government minister – the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu.
Yes, folks, one way or another the Chinese have their clutches into the establishment in Fiji, including now the acting head of the judiciary. Small wonder Australia and the other democracies are looking much more closely over the shoulders of the Fijian leadership. Because we can be sure that this kind of fraternisation is merely the tip of the iceberg of a whole lot of stuff going on beneath the surface that ought to be of concern, make that alarm, for anyone who cares about the integrity and proper conduct of our democracy.
And I repeat for the benefit of local fans of China, including our frequent ideological sparring partner, Ian Simpson of Taveuni. In the democracies, we get the opportunity to change our governments at the ballot box if we don’t like them. But in China, 1.4-billion people live in a dictatorship in which they can’t change a damn thing.
They are under the boot of the Chinese Communist Party which is kept in power by the People’s Liberation Army. So that if our own politicians think that is something to celebrate, we need to get rid of them at the earliest opportunity not only for their woeful lack of judgment but just in case the idea catches on.
The Chinese official media report of the event.
And Pio Tikoduadua’s comments reported by FBC News.
And they wonder why the democracies are keeping such a close eye on Fiji.
The Prime Minister during the week with the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Ewen McDonald, who is also Australia’s Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs. His prime responsibility is to keep Fiji on the side of the democracies. A battle being fought on all fronts.
The military madman Rabuka is responsible for enabling the communists Chinese to gradually take a stranglehold in Fiji….and gradually also of it’s resources.
The so-called Vuvale connection with Australia and New Zealand is a diplomatic toy he can dangle with when compared to what he is doing having steered Fiji towards the Communist Party of China.
Friends to all and enemies to no one!!
And Uncles AUKUS must surely be wondering why!
Rabuka as well as Tikoduadua and the other ex Fiji military men are all so dumb so as to even ignore how brutal the CPA is…afterall they accept the behaviour of the CPA as just another aspect of miltary conduct regardless.
And Fiji becomes the meat in the sandwich in the Pacific geo-political power play.
Who knows what the consequences will be when the seas get rough!
Why should we bother about AUKUS? They did not consult the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) when they designed their Containment strategy against China which will include Australia arming itself with nuclear-powered submarines.
Has China consulted the PIF about its intimidation of Taiwan or its unlawful territorial grab in the South China Sea? Australia is only getting nuclear powered submarines because of the threat from China. In any event, China has them and no one says anything about that.
…..and the China now intends to assist Fiji in the war against drugs.
It has been some time since I heard anything about Bee-man Prasad.
Look at the photos. All itaukei. So let’s hope the spotlight will no longer be on the Indians anymore. Fingers crossed everything will be perfect in fiji with agreements being signed here and everywhere between these lot. Who are we the vulagis to judge. I hope I live long enough to see vast improvements everywhere. Hehe.
You are wrong. There’s Charan Jeath Singh – the Minister for Sugar – in the main group photo. Strange given the animosity between India and China but as an honorary iTaukei because of his money, maybe you don’t regard him as “Indian” anymore.
On page 2 today is a picture in Fred’s Butt paper of slr in full regalia. Hilarious. He needs more trinkets from rc nathubai. Haha!
Oh, and right below, someone has crawled out of the wood work to rage about divorce, violence against women, and implores the racist smilling assassin to learn more about violence against women. All well and good.
Yet still nothing about the violent women abuser minister of education and bonking. The irony of it all escapes her still.
Rabuka has no hesitation to sell out to not only the highest, but all the bidders. Beggars can’t be choosers. He indulges in the photos of him & his Ministers playing with the big boys. He has no clue who he’s playing with though, nor any consideration of the longer term consequences. All that matters is his short term agenda of racial vendettas & greed. And of course the ego boost of those gym pics in the media. Classic Narcissist. But not of the smartest kind.
There’s speculations that the other DPM, Baiman is in NZ for heart surgery. Whether it’s true or not, but he definitely is in NZ with his wife Rajni
The safari suit PM from the 80’s. It is difficult to get rid of old habits. Not to mention old way of thinking. But that is exactly what the dopeys in Fiji want!!!
Good morning Mr Davis.
Good morning all discerning readers of Grubsheet.
Top of the week to you all.
If Graham allows, I provide the following reading and watch list of reporters and commentators freely available on You Tube and a terrific website hosted by Tom Feeley for journalist that is named Information Clearing House ICH.
In no order,
Caitlin Johnson
Philip Giraldi
Mike Whitney
Chris Hedges
Finian Cunnigham
Scott Ritter
Judge Napolitano
George Galloway
Larry Johnson
Douglas Macgregor
Pro. John Mearsheimer
Matt Tabibi
The Saker
Pepe Escobar
Ray Mcgovern
Lowkey
Lawrence Wilkerson
Jeffery Sacks.
This a sampling of a general nature that covers most subjects that are told with truth as a basis.
In regard Russia and China, I have not traveled to Russia but have traveled to China.
That was a jaw dropping experience, and since that was some time ago, and considering its extreme growth rate, it’s growth has doubled twice since my time there. A doubling means EVERYTHING before it , has doubled, and doubled again and in the next 10 years, EVERYTHING that exists now will have doubled again.
This has only been possible because China has a One Party State, which is built from ground up by local party committees. This system allows for planning 5,10, 25, 50 and 100 years ahead. The best and brightest, most experienced people advise and guide with the oversight of the Political Committees, the People.
There are failings in such a MASSIVE endeavour, and the CCP addresses them as they become apparent, such a President Xi’s fight against corruption. Just one issue.
But if Mr Davis allows, I can respond to his disparaging comments against China and Russia point by point, so that we can take this from the sparring ring to the Champion s ring with gloves off.
You have to allow yourself to get into the ring with a Champion like myself one day Mr Davis, to test your metal, open your mind and be free. You owe it to your discerning readers.
This week, let’s all smell the roses, and pray the psychopath Netanyahoo does not take us to a nuclear war.
Yes, not one word about democracy. Vinaka Mr Simpson.
We are already on the path to a one party state in Fiji. So you, at least, can sleep soundly even if it keeps the rest of us awake.
When one is prejudiced and biased like Ian, democracy and reason goes out the window. He forgets the atrocities and re-edcucation camps that Chine sends it Uighar people to. He seems to have forgotten Tianenmen Square. Its all very selective when one is prejudiced.
I could be wrong, but am I correct to suggest that Ian is not a white guy as we all would assume.
Kailoma aristocracy. More class than mere whites.
From one of the great families of the North. And clearly lobbying to become China’s honorary consul in Somosomo 🙂
I always thought that John O’Connor, the former CEO of the FRU was a white guy until I saw him on Fiji TV when I was there. I realised then how silly of me to assume things.
There are a lot of contributors to the letters columns in the local papers who have English names, and I am sure none of them are white as I had assumed.
From their writing, the only thing I can now assume is that they are far from white. They are people with “more class than mere whites”.
I believe the Acting CJ should be hauled in before the Minister of Justice or the AG and asked to explain his presence at the Chinese Embassy and the cake cutting. I do not believe that it is appropriate for the CJ to be present at these functions. It is against protocol from what I understand. Or maybe special dispensations apply when you are first nations persons.
Wonder why Taiwan is so wary of being a subject of China…..was Hong Kong so happy to be handed back to China when it did happen.
Wouldn’t these people of Chinese heritage want to desperately become a part of wonderful China…with its exponential (I assume economic) “growth” that Ian is talking about.
Those people in HK and Taiwan with skin in the matter and living in close proximity to the “truth” would be better judges of the merits of Chinese system of government by one dominant communist party and leader, wouldn’t it. And of the political and cultural values of that state.
As for the Russians, well I’m sure the Ukrainians would love to become part of Moscow and under Putin the Great wouldn’t they, such a better system of governance they have there compared to what’s dished out from their own in Kiev.
Fiji is for sale to the highest bidder , be it the Chinese or western governments. Whether it’s in the same of climate finance, grants or budgetary support – this is now a Soli at the global level.
…..and China now intends to assist Fiji in the war against drugs.
The way the CCP is making inroads into so many facets our society is alarmimg to say the least.
.