Commissioner of Western Division, 

Dear compatriots,

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

Good afternoon!

It gives me great pleasure to be here with you all to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the 170th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese in Fiji. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji, I would like to extend New Year's greetings to all compatriots and Fijian friends. Wish today's event a complete success!

This year marks not only the Year of the Snake but also the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji, as well as the 170th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese in Fiji. 170 years ago,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, through relentless effort and perseverance, Chinese compatriots have, alongside other ethnic groups in Fiji, written a chapter of hard work, unity, and dedication. 170 years later, the Chinese community has firmly taken root in the fertile soil of Fiji, becoming an integral part of its multi-ethnic society, linking the ancient land of China with the beautiful Pearl of the South Pacific.

Dear friends,

The Western Division has long been a vital region for Fiji’s economic and social development. Home to Nadi International Airport, which connects Fiji to the world, the traditional sugar industry hub of Lautoka, and the city of Ba, known for its sports celebrities, this area boasts convenient transportation, thriving commerce, diverse culture, and vibrant energy. Throughout the 170-year history of the arrival of Chinese in Fiji, the Western Division has consistently been a significant area for Chinese compatriots to work and live. It has witnessed the earliest entrepreneurial endeavors of Chinese ancestors and the development process of the Chinese community from its inception, growing from small to large.

Diligence and kindness are the hallmark characteristics of Chinese in the Western Division. From shops to markets, hospitals to schools, hotels to farms, airports to seaports, across all sectors, Chinese in the Western Division have consistently demonstrated conscientiousness and a down-to-earth attitude. Through their diligence, wisdom, and sincerity, they have earned the respect and recognition of Fijian society.

Solidarity and mutual assistance form the fine tradition of the Chinese in the Western Division. Adhering to the spirit of "when one side is in trouble, all sides support", the community uses unity to gather strength and mutual aid to overcome challenges. They assist those in need, fight against disasters, and collaborate with local communities, offering selfless support to fellow Chinese in Fiji without expecting anything in return. When it comes to the Chinese in the Western Division, everyone gives them a thumbs up.

Contributing to the community is the noble pursuit of the Chinese in the Western Division. Grateful for their circumstances, they actively contribute to society. The Lautoka Zhonghua School, established by them, not only promotes Chinese language education but also achieved second place in Fiji's national high school entrance examination last year, providing more quality educational resources for the Fijian people. Additionally, they have leveraged the advantages of integrating Chinese and Fijian cultures to facilitate practical cooperation between the two countries, helping the Fijian people benefit from China's rapid development, achieving win-win cooperation and common development.

Standing at the new starting point , we must draw wisdom and strength from history of the past 170 years. We should carry forward the spirit of hard work, unity, and dedication that has characterized the Chinese community in Fiji, strive for self-improvement, and continuously open up new horizons for development.

I hope everyone will be the creator of a better life. I encourage you to remain grounded and forge ahead, achieving greater accomplishments in your respective fields, thereby creating a brighter future for yourselves, your families, and your communities. Through our own development, we should also promote the common development of local Fijian people and assist our partners in making collective progress.

I hope everyone will be the defender of community unity. The Chinese community in Fiji has thrived through unity, achieved its current successes through solidarity, and will continue to develop in the future by relying on this unity. I hope you cherish unity as you would cherish your own eyes, using it to overcome risks and challenges, and move from one victory to another.

I hope everyone will be the inheritor of China’s fine culture. Chinese culture is the root and soul of the Chinese nation. I hope you will continue to excel in Chinese language education, organize cultural activities with unique characteristics, and promote exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and local cultures, ensuring that the cultural legacy is passed down from generation to generation. 

I hope everyone will be the contributor to the friendship between China and Fiji. China-Fiji relations are closely tied to the majority of overseas Chinese in Fiji. You have always been an important force in maintaining and enhancing China-Fiji friendship. I hope you will fully leverage your unique advantages in bridging China and Fiji, thereby contributing to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples. This will pave the way for enhanced exchanges and cooperation across various fields.

This week, the globally acclaimed Chinese film "Ne Zha 2" made its debut on Fijian screens. The protagonist Ne Zha famously declared, “I am the master of my own destiny.” Through this, you can see the unyielding spirit of the Chinese people who keep moving on with grit, and also the shared will of people around the world to break the shackles and create a better future. Let us embrace this optimistic and confident spirit, working hand in hand with all ethnic groups in Fiji to create a brighter future.

Thank you all!