Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

NZ PM to raise Fiji with Chinese Premier if there’s an opportunity

Posted at 10:29 on 15 April, 2009 UTC

New Zealand’s Prime Minister, John Key, says he will raise the matter of the current crisis in Fiji with the Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao, during his current visit to Beijing if there is an opportunity.

Mr Key has already met briefly with the Chinese President Hu Jintao, but is due to hold longer and more detailed talks with the country’s premier.

The two leaders will discuss in detail economic matters effecting both countries and the challenges faced as a result of the global recession.

John Key says China gives aid to Fiji, and there is a risk that if Australia and New Zealand pull aid away from Fiji then China may simply step in and fill the gap.