PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has praised the Chinese community in Fiji for their generations of contribution to the nation’s growth, describing it as one of courage, perseverance and partnership.
Speaking at the celebration marking 170 years since the arrival of the first Chinese settlers, and 50 years of diplomatic relations between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Mr Rabuka said the Chinese community’s hard work and resilience had helped shape the modern Fiji.
“It is truly a heartwarming scene to behold such a vibrant sea of red,” he told the crowd at Ratu Sukuna Park.
“You have been the mainstay of our society, particularly the business side of things.
“Your families have been part of Fiji’s story for generations — building businesses, creating livelihoods and contributing to our economy, to our culture and to our community.”
Mr Rabuka acknowledged the descendants of early settlers such as Moy Ba Ling, who arrived in Fiji in 1855, and paid tribute to families whose names are woven into Fiji’s history and progress.
He also reflected on the enduring partnership between Fiji and the PRC, saying diplomatic ties had brought tangible benefits across many sectors, from infrastructure and agriculture to education and health.
“Fiji and China established diplomatic relations, founded on mutual respect, equality and non-interference, opening a new chapter in our partnership.
“Since then, the two nations have strengthened political, economic and cultural ties through high level visits and deep mutual support on core national interest.
“Both nations have stood shoulder to shoulder during global crisis, demonstrating genuine solidarity and enduring friendship.”
170 years of diligence, integrity, family – Seeto
THE arrival and contribution of early Chinese settlers in Fiji was remembered yesterday as many gathered at Ratu Sukuna Park to mark the 170 years of turning Fiji into their home.
Chinese Association of Fiji president Jenny Seeto said the Chinese community’s value of hard work, integrity and family have helped shape Fiji’s national progress for more than a century and a half.
Speaking during the celebration which also marked 50 years of diplomatic relations between Fiji and the People’s Republic of China, Ms Seeto said the event reflected the community’s enduring unity and contribution to Fiji’s development.
“Our ancestors came with little, very little, but they carried the values of diligence, integrity and family,” she said.
“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 intermarried with other ethnic groups and as a
result, we have a great blend of Chinese Fijian fusion in Fiji, and hundreds have joined us here today at the park.”
Ms Seeto also paid tribute to generations of Chinese Fijian families who built their livelihoods through small businesses, farming, and trade.
“From the early days of butchers, bakers and shopkeepers to today’s doctors, accountants and engineers, the Chinese community has contributed across every profession.
“In the early days, it was the Chinese who were the well sought after tradies, who literally helped the nation. In fact, all the electricians in the very early days as I was growing up, were Chinese families.
“Our community has been the backbone of agriculture and related exports, manufacturing and trade.”
Ms Seeto acknowledged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Mrs Suluweti Rabuka for attending the celebration, calling the occasion “a symbol of friendship, respect and shared progress”.
