The government says it received advance notification from the Government of the People’s Republic of China regarding a military training activity conducted in the Pacific yesterday.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade says China advised that the activity was part of a scheduled military training exercise and assured Fiji it was not directed at any Pacific country and posed no security threat to the region.

The ministry adds Fiji remains firmly committed to the vision of the Pacific as an Ocean of Peace, where dialogue, transparency, mutual respect and adherence to international law underpin regional security and prosperity.

It also reaffirmed Fiji’s support for the Rarotonga Treaty and said the country respects development cooperation in the Pacific region.

The ministry said it will continue to engage constructively with all partners to advance Fiji’s foreign policy priorities and support a peaceful, stable and secure Blue Pacific region.