Analysis Of Fiji's 'Look North' Foreign Policy Since 2009

This study of Fiji's foreign policy since 2009,the researcher explores and analyses how the Fiji government pursue a new and progressive foreign policy namely 'Look North Policy'?strategy,that was forged to project Fiji forward in its global engagement and to form the basis of its international relations.In this study,the researcher explains how Fiji implemented its new foreign policy agenda,new diplomatic methods and new strategies for engaging in international forum that were forged to bypass the sanctions of its traditional partners and to open new friends for Fiji in non-traditional areas.The study analyses the rationale and fundamentals principles of Fiji's Foreign Policy and how those policies were linked to parallel domestic policy priorities of the government.The researcher highlighted that the 'Look North,Policy strategy was a foreign policy of Fiji as it briefly and clearly explains the policies and objectives of the country which was to engage and enhance Fiji's relations with other countries.The study explores and analysis how Fiji has faced its toughest challenge ever since independence,with its international relations tested on several fronts and was a period that demanded that Fiji's foreign policy agenda and its diplomatic practice be at its best.It was also evident,that during the said period,Fiji faced regional and international sanctions imposed by many of its traditional friends,who were determined to impose there version of democratic governance and rule of law on Fiji.The study argued that this new path of strategic and global engagements has constituted a major departure from past Fiji foreign policies.It demonstrated the sense in which there has been a fundamental change in the principles and practice of Fiji's foreign policy and what implications this has for Fiji's place in the region and the world.Furthermore,a key to this 'Look North,Foreign Policy was the further deepening of bilateral ties with China.The political and economic support from China has enabled Fiji's economy to stabilize and the country to make political progress with its road map to democratic reform and elections?.Since the reviving of the 'Look North' Foreign Policy in 2009,the Diplomatic Bilateral Relations between Fiji and China has grown from strength to strength.This was further cemented when the Fiji-China relationship was elevated to a "Strategic Partnership of Mutual Respect and Common Development"that was announced by President Xi Jinping during his State Visit to Fiji on November 2014,it lays a solid platform for a comprehensive engagement with China across all sector of Fiji's economy.Moreover,this study dovetails how China has been always a steadfast partner and true friend of Fiji in supporting it's visionary development pathway and its Look and Engage North Foreign Policy which contributed significantly to Fiji's rapid development,high international and regional standing and independence particularly when the international community severed their ties with Fiji.Instead of giving Fiji a cold shoulder,China developed closer engagement with Fiji,stepping in to fill the gaps left by Fiji's traditional partners.It was obvious that China's position was in line with its foreign policy,which respects sovereignty and territorial integrity,non-interference in the affairs of other states,and peaceful coexistence.