(dpa) - Fiji's military leader and interim prime minister has written to China's government in support of the country's "necessary" and "proper measures" against the uprising in Tibet, reports said Wednesday.
A letter of support on March 14 from Commander Voreqe "Frank" Bainimarama said China's actions were "necessary [and] proper measures to safeguard national peace and stability," according to the FijiLive website.
Spokesman and permanent secretary Pramesh Chand confirmed to the website that Fiji supported China's actions.
Chand said China's actions were legitimate under the rule of law.
"Fiji also believes that this is an internal matter for the Chinese government to deal with," Chand said.
China's ambassador to Fiji also said Wednesday that Fiji's support was not motivated by the country's desire to gain greater levels of aid.
On Monday the tiny Pacific nation secured a 114-million-dollar loan from China for rural roads, according to a Fiji government statement.
Fiji's government has sought greater involvement with China since its most recent coup in 2006.
Bainimarama overthrew the democratically elected government headed by Laisenia Qarase.
Western governments condemned the coup.
Bainimarama then announced that Fiji would "look north" to China for aid and military and diplomatic support.