Bula Vinaka!
On behalf of Chinese Ambassador to Fiji H.E. Zhou Jian, I am honored to join you in solemnly celebrating the 170th years anniversary of the arrival of Chinese in Fiji and the 50th years anniversary of China-Fiji diplomatic relations.
First of all, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji, I would like to extend our warmest greetings to all the distinguished guests, overseas Chinese compatriots in Fiji, staff of Chinese institutions, Chinese teachers and students, and friends from all sectors in Fiji!
In 1855, driven by their aspirations for a better life, Chinese ancestors braved hardships and crossed the ocean to arrive in Fiji, planting seeds of hope on this land.
Over the past 170 years, with hard work and perseverance, the Chinese community has worked hand in hand with the people of all ethnic groups in Fiji, writing a remarkable chapter of common development.
Today, Chinese community has taken root in the fertile soil of Fiji, becoming an integral part of its multi-ethnic society, as well as a link to China. Now, we are proud to look back on this great journey over 170 years.
What we deeply admire is that the early Chinese pioneers started from scratch and worked hard to build their businesses. From Levuka to Vanua Levu and Viti Levu, from shops to markets, from hospitals to schools, the Chinese community has earned the respect and recognition of Fijian society through their hard work across all sectors.
What truly touches us is that Chinese community has always stood together in solidarity for development.
You have gathered strength from unity and mutual support to overcome challenges. You have helped those in need, combated disasters, and stood with the community through tough times.
You have selflessly offered a helping hand to fellow Chinese compatriots in distress. Your spirit of solidarity has won wide recognition across the nation.
What brings us great comfort is that Chinese community has always been grateful and actively given back to society.
For example,the Chinese schools you have built not only promotes Chinese culture but also provide Fijians with access to quality education.
Across various charitable activities, volunteers from the Chinese community have brought care and hope to countless Fijian families.
You have actively leveraged your strengths in bridging our two countries, facilitating practical cooperation between China and Fiji, helping Fijian people board the fast train of China’s development, and achieving win-win cooperation and common development.
The glorious journey of 170 years showcases the defining characters of the Chinese community, that is hard work, unity and mutual assistance, dedication and contributing to the society.
Ladies and gentlemen, friends, In order to celebrate the 170th years anniversary of the arrival of Chinese in Fiji and the
50th years anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Fiji, since the beginning of this year, Chinese community and the Chinese Embassy have jointly held a series of celebratory events, including the Chinese New Year Fair, the exhibition of Historical Photos, the Western Division Special Celebration, the Embassy Open Day, community assistance activities and Chinese language proficiency competition, to commemorate the extraordinary achievements of the early Chinese pioneers, share the fruitful outcomes of bilateral relations, and jointly create an even brighter future.
Standing at this new starting point, the development of Chinese community in Fiji also faces new historical opportunities. In 2024, Hon.
Prime Minister Rabuka successfully visited China. The leaders of both countries have charted the course for the development of China-Fiji relations
and drawn up a grand blueprint. The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by President Xi Jinping aligns closely with Hon.
Prime Minister Rabuka’s “Ocean of Peace” vision laying the foundation for deepening strategic cooperation and achieving common development between the two countries.
This week, the 20th Central Committee of the CPC convened its 4th plenary session in Beijing, set the 15th Five Years Plan Period for economic and social development of China. Chinese community in Fiji should ride the “wave” of the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, board the “fast train” of Chinese modernization, and contribute to building a China-Fiji community with a shared future: First, you should carry forward the spirit of hard work.
Carry on the tradition of starting businesses through hard work, dare to pioneer and innovate, achieve greater success in your respective fields, and contribute more to Fiji’s development. Second, you should carry forward the spirit of unity.
Further strengthen the cohesion of Chinese community, enhance friendship with other ethnic groups, and jointly build a more harmonious, inclusive, and prosperous society. Third, you should carry forward the spirit of dedication.
Actively give back to society, practice the concept of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and promote local community progress through your own development. Play the
role of “bridge” to connect China and Fiji, so that the friendly cooperation between the two countries can benefit more Fijian people.
Finally, I sincerely wish this celebration a complete success! I wish all overseas Chinese compatriots in Fiji happiness and prosperity! May the friendship between China and Fiji last forever!
Thank you all! Vinaka vakalevu! Xie xie
