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ISSUE
Friday, January 23, 2026
Volume 17 . Issue 03
The Fijian president has been gifted a luxury executive vehicle by China, which is also used by high-ranking Chinese officials and diplomats, the Fijian government says.
The Hongqi (which translates to "Red Flag") sedan, a China-made vehicle brand, was handed over to the Fijian President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at the State House in the capital Suva on Monday.
The handover of the black Hongqi H9, which offers "advanced technology and superior comfort", marked "another milestone in the strong and enduring partnership" between Beijing and Suva, the Fijian government said in a statement.
According to the Australian site carsales.com.au, which describes the Hongqi H9 as "a mishmash of brands like Rolls-Royce and BMW", consumer models of the vehicle can cost up to AU$90,000, while executive models can cost significantly more.
Ratu Lalabalavu said despite "various challenges and uncertainties over the years", the diplomatic relations between the two nations have remained resilient.
"Our greatest thanks [for] what you've provided for us - a beautiful limousine which would benefit the nation and especially the high office here," he told the Chinese embassy officials.
He added the "gracious donation", made in response to his request, demonstrates "the great bond of leadership and linkages that we've had over many years".
The donation follows a Chinese-funded refurbishment of a section of the State House in Suva last year.
Chinese Embassy chargé d'affaires ad interim to Fiji Wang Yuan said Hongqi sedans have "become China's 'business card' in diplomatic engagements."
"I believe today's (Monday) donation will further support the daily operations of the Office of the President, while injecting new vitality into the friendship between our two countries," he said.
The Fijian president has been gifted a luxury executive vehicle by China, which is also used by high-ranking Chinese officials and diplomats, the Fijian government says.
The Hongqi (which translates to "Red Flag") sedan, a China-made vehicle brand, was handed over to the Fijian President Ratu...
The Fijian president has been gifted a luxury executive vehicle by China, which is also used by high-ranking Chinese officials and diplomats, the Fijian government says.
The Hongqi (which translates to "Red Flag") sedan, a China-made vehicle brand, was handed over to the Fijian President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at the State House in the capital Suva on Monday.
The handover of the black Hongqi H9, which offers "advanced technology and superior comfort", marked "another milestone in the strong and enduring partnership" between Beijing and Suva, the Fijian government said in a statement.
According to the Australian site carsales.com.au, which describes the Hongqi H9 as "a mishmash of brands like Rolls-Royce and BMW", consumer models of the vehicle can cost up to AU$90,000, while executive models can cost significantly more.
Ratu Lalabalavu said despite "various challenges and uncertainties over the years", the diplomatic relations between the two nations have remained resilient.
"Our greatest thanks [for] what you've provided for us - a beautiful limousine which would benefit the nation and especially the high office here," he told the Chinese embassy officials.
He added the "gracious donation", made in response to his request, demonstrates "the great bond of leadership and linkages that we've had over many years".
The donation follows a Chinese-funded refurbishment of a section of the State House in Suva last year.
Chinese Embassy chargé d'affaires ad interim to Fiji Wang Yuan said Hongqi sedans have "become China's 'business card' in diplomatic engagements."
"I believe today's (Monday) donation will further support the daily operations of the Office of the President, while injecting new vitality into the friendship between our two countries," he said.
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