On behalf of the Chinese Community in Fiji, it is my honour to welcome the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka and Mrs Rabuka.
Prime Minister, we are indeed privileged that you and Mrs Rabuka have set time aside from your demanding schedule to join us.
I also warmly welcome each and every one of you—distinguished guests, community elders, friends, families and students to this historic and joyous celebration.
We mark a remarkable dual milestone: the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the first Chinese settlers in Fiji and the 50th year of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Fiji and the People’s Republic of China.
Your presence here, from all walks of life and every corner of our nation, is a powerful testament to the strong bonds of friendship and mutual respect that unite our communities and nations.
Our celebration today is illuminated by the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival that was on October 6, a time that calls for family reunion, for expressing gratitude for the harvest, and for quiet reflection.
The story of the Chinese in Fiji began in 1855, when the first Chinese arrived, laying the foundation for a community that would grow through inter-marriage, hard work, perseverance and dedication.
Over generations, those seeds have grown deep roots in Fijian soil.
Our pioneers were dispersed throughout Fiji, in the maritime islands, interiors of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu, Taveuni, Kadvau , Ovalau and Lau.
Our ancestors came with little, but they carried values of diligence, integrity, and family.
These values have been passed down and continue to guide us as responsible citizens committed to national progress.
The Chinese settlers came to Fiji seeking opportunities and new beginnings. They built lives here , were resilient and integrated well with the local communities.
They inter-married with other ethnic groups. As a result, we have a great blend of Chinese Fijian Fusion in Fiji, and hundreds have joined us here today.
Everyone marvels at how business is carried on at the Suva market – you will hear Chinese farmers conversing fluently in the itaukei language with their fellow itaukei and Indo-Fijian farmers and their customers.
From small family-run businesses to larger enterprises, our investments have helped create jobs, stimulate local economies, and promote innovation. In the early Colonial days, the Chinese businesses were a significant part of Fiji’s development.
We are proud of our widespread achievements in all the professional fields , sporting and creative arts. We boast designers such as Samson Lee who generously designed these distinctive fusion bula wear for our valued guests.
Our well known, China Club, which was the centre of Fiji’s social fabric boasts the famous Dragon Nights for the Hibiscus Festival, the Club were champions in basketball and our community were champions in table tennis and racquet sports such as badminton and squash.
As I name the professions our Community have produced, just remember the Chinese person who was your doctor, teacher, politician, accountant ( in fact, 3 of the 4 major global accounting firms were managed by Chinese), banker, architect, lawyer, engineer, surveyor, baker, chef,
Butchers, IT, religious, carpenters and electricians – in the early days, it was the Chinese who were the well sought after traders who literally powered the nation.
Our community has also been the backbone of agriculture and related exports, manufacturing and trade. The whole of Cumming Street and the surrounding areas were occupied by Chinese shopkeepers and eateries.
The Chinese influence is very widespread, especially our Chinese cuisine. The good old Fijian flavoured chopsuey is a favourite and those who live abroad say that the Fiji chopsuey is the best!
The Chinese Community has contributed considerably to Fiji’s development and we have received even more in return – the heartfelt warmth of the bula spirit, our shared profound sense of community, and the generous hospitality that defines the Fijian heart.
Our traditions – celebrated through festivals like Chinese New Year, MidAutumn Festival, and ancestral remembrance—have added colour and richness to Fiji’s cultural diversity.
Fifty years ago, in 1975, China and Fiji formally established diplomatic relations.
Over the past half-century, this spirit of partnership extends to the respected relationship between Fiji and China, supported by diplomatic ties, development partnerships, and people-to-people connections.
We are proud to be a bridge between these two great nations, fostering understanding and cooperation in investment and trade, education, and cultural exchange.
The reach of this support extends into the very heart of the communities.
China has funded and built numerous bridges and other roads, infrastructure that connect villages once separated by rivers, schools that educate the future leaders of Fiji, and medical facilities that provide critical healthcare to those in need.
The recent Chinese Navy Hospital Ship that completed medical services early this month, provided treatment on 3,330 occasions, performed 426 surgeries of various types, and carried out 2,531 auxiliary examinations and tests. Recently, we were amazed by the first- time spectacular drone show in Fiji. The sheer determination of the Chinese Embassy Officials enabled the drone show to be witnessed despite the bad weather.
Today’s celebrations have been made possible with the generous support of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Fiji, our sponsors and donors, whose contributions have made this event a reality.
We extend our deepest appreciation to all businesses and individuals who have given so generously of their resources and time.
Our MC has already acknowledged our sponsors.
To all those groups of people, the students and parents who participated in today’s parade and in the cultural performances which will follow: your energy, creativity, and pride have brought these two very important anniversary events to life.
To my hardworking committee and MCs, I am deeply grateful for all the long hours and sheer hard work you have put into making this event together at such short notice.
To the Chinese community across Fiji – your dedication, volunteerism, and unity have made us stand proud and tall as we celebrate the achievements of our community- past and present.
Our traditions are alive, we have shaped Fiji’s development, supported one another through challenges and natural disasters, and have always stood ready to serve the wider Fijian society.
As we celebrate these two important milestones, may we continue to build a sustainable future where all communities thrive together in peace, prosperity, mutual respect and enduring friendship.
Vinaka vakalevu, xièxiè nǐ, and thank you.
Celebrating 170 Years of Chinese Settlement in Fiji and 50th Anniversary of China – Fiji Diplomatic Relations at Ratu Sukuna Park. Picture: JONA KONATACI
Message by president of the Chinese Association in Fiji and chair of the Organising Committee – Jenny Seeto
