Address by H.E. Ambassador Huang Yong on the Occasion of the 65th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China

(Chinese Embassy, September 25th 2014)

Your Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, President of the Republic of Fiji and Madam First Lady Adi Koila Nailatikau,

Honorable Ministers and Permanent Secretaries,

Excellencies and Colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bula Vinaka and Good Evening!

First of all, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji, I would like to warmly welcome you all to our Embassy and thank all of you for attending this reception marking the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The new China has gone through 65 years of glorious journey. 65 years ago, the founding of the People’s Republic of China ushered in a new era in the history of the Chinese nation. Over the past 65 years, thanks to the enduring exploration and persistent efforts by generations of people, China has gone through a historic transformation, and has made world-acclaimed achievements in economic and social development, and the livelihood of its 1.3 billion people keeps improving. Our experience from the past 65 years has told us that, the greatest achievement we’ve achieved is having found a development path that is suited to China’s conditions.

China is currently working on comprehensively deepening reform and expanding opening-up, which has injected strong impetus to China’s development. This year, China has maintained steady economic growth. In the first half of the year, the Chinese economy registered a 7.4 percent growth.

The new round of reform will result in the Chinese economy maintaining steady and sound growth for a fairly long time to come, which is certainly great news to the world economy. It is estimated that, in the coming five years, China will import commodities worth US$10 trillion, invest over US$500 billion abroad and send about 500 million tourists overseas.

China cannot develop itself in isolation from the world, nor can the world achieve prosperity without China. Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined the vision of the Chinese Dream, which is to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The steady process of realizing the Chinese dream will not only benefit China, but also benefit the world at large.

China will remain committed to pursuing the path of peaceful development and following a win-win strategy of opening-up. China stands ready to work with other countries, in building a world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

China attaches great importance to developing its relations with Fiji. With the joint efforts from both sides, the development of China-Fiji relations enjoys a sound momentum, with continuously strengthened political mutual trust, closer economic relations and fruitful people-to-people and cultural exchange. We always offer each other genuine and unfailing support. The Chinese side is appreciative to the Fijian government for its firm commitment to the One China Policy.

The two countries’ leaders have been in close contacts. Your Excellency President Nailatikau, during your last visit to China in August for attending the opening ceremony of the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games, you had a cordial and constructive meeting with our President XI Jinping, which has injected new vitality into our bilateral relations.

Our bilateral trade volume keeps on increasing, which has reached USD 304 million last year, a 28.65 percent up year on year. The second session of the China-Fiji joint trade and economic committee was held in Suva in early June.

As a good friend and partner of Fiji, China has been providing support and help to Fiji at its best capability. The new Navua Hospital and the Public Rental Board’s Raiwai Housing Project aided by China were both officially opened, benefiting many Fijian families. The upgrading projects of the Sigatoka Valley Road and the first section of the Buca Bay road funded by Chinese government’s soft loans have completed, which are greatly appreciated by the Fijian government and local residents.

Furthermore, the Somosomo Mini Hydro project funded by China’s grant assistance has kicked off smoothly. The project of Mushroom Cultivation and the Agriculture Development project in Vanua Levu are progressing well. Several more projects will be implemented shortly, including the reconstruction of the Stinson Parade Bridge and Vatuwaqa Bridge, and the Vunidawa Sports Complex project.

I am very happy to mention that this year another 20 Fijian students were awarded Chinese scholarship for their overseas studies in China. I wish them all the best and hope they will enjoy their times in China.

For the first time, the Chinese Navy hospital ship Peace Ark visited Fiji late last month on a humanitarian medical service mission, which was highly welcomed and acknowledged by the Fijian people.

Looking into the future, both China and Fiji are standing at a new historical point, facing new opportunities and challenges. We will continue to work closely with the Fijian side, and seize opportunities to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between our two countries in all fields, so as to push China-Fiji relations to a new high and bring more benefits to our two people.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Although far apart in geography, the friendship between China and the Pacific Islands Countries goes back to long time ago. Recent years have witnessed considerable progress in the relations between China and the Pacific Islands Countries, with deepened mutual trust and fruitful cooperation.

Both China and the Pacific Islands Countries are members of the big family of the Asia-Pacific. Without the prosperity of the Pacific Islands Countries, the prosperity of the Asia-Pacific would be an incomplete one. China and the Pacific Islands Countries share the common task of development. China is committed to work closely with the Pacific Islands Countries, to build a more beautiful future for both of our peoples.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We congratulate the people and government of Fiji for the smooth and successful conduct of the 2014 General Elections, to which China has provided support in terms of financial aid and donating police equipments dedicated to the elections.

We always support the people of Fiji in choosing their own development path that suits to their own national conditions. We sincerely wish the people of Fiji every success in building a better Fiji, under the strong leadership of the newly-formed government.

In conclusion, I would like to propose a toast,

To the prosperity of the People’s Republic of China,

To the prosperity of the Republic of Fiji,

To the better future of China-Fiji relations,

And to the good health of all friends present tonight,

Cheers! Vinaka vakalevu!