A researcher at one of China's Foreign Ministry think tanks says China's engagement with Fiji is simply part of good neighbourly relations.
Fiji has just celebrated 35 years of diplomatic ties with China and interim leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama is on his second trip to China in three months.
Shi Yong Ming of China's Institute of International Studies says Fiji is no more special to China than other Pacific Island nations.
"Our diplomatic strategy is to keep good relations with neighbours, keep the peace in our neighbouring region. In this region the important security interest is the relations with Australia and New Zealand. I think that's the important relationship."
Shi Yong Ming of China's Institute of International Studies in Beijing.
