Her Excellency the First Lady Madam Emily Lalabalavu,

Madam Elina Jitoko, 

Ms. Han Xiaoyan, Director of the China Cultural Center in Fiji,

Representatives of Ministry of iTaukei Affairs and Fiji Arts Council,

Dear students,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends,

Ni sa bula vinaka and good morning!

It brings me great joy to gather with you all as we launch the “Hello Fiji” Painted Panda Interactive Experience. These panda artworks, carrying the deep affection of the Chinese people, have journeyed across oceans to the pearl of South Pacific—Fiji, conveying our heartfelt greetings to Fijian friends. We are honored to have the First Lady, Madame Jitoko, join students today to paint pandas and create art together, immersing ourselves in the charm of the world’s most beloved ambassadors—giant pandas.

The giant pandas are China’s national treasure and symbol of peace. Their iconic black-and-white coats embody Chinese yin-yang philosophy. Their gentle nature reflects the harmony in Chinese culture. They are strong but not aggressive, which is consistent with Chinese character of loving peace.

Pandas are beautiful symbol of ecological conservation. Having thrived on earth for over 8 million years, they are a flagship species for global biodiversity conservation. Demanding in habitat and food, they long faced endangerment. Through determined conservation efforts including habitat restoration and breeding breakthroughs, China has helped their wild population grow to nearly 1900, downgrading their status from endangered to vulnerable. Today, they flourish freely in pristine mountain reserves.

Pandas are natural ambassadors of friendship. In recent years, over 60 pandas have traveled overseas. With their round bodies, dark eye circles, and playful charm, they’ve become global icons of joy, building bridges of friendship across borders and spreading love to all corners of the earth.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Fiji diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the China Cultural Center in Fiji. We choose the “Painted Panda” as the opening of our celebrations, invite Fijian and Chinese artists to co-create, and Fijian youth to participate, hoping this creative, endearing medium will bring our peoples closer.

I believe these Fijian style pandas painted by students will beautifully blend Chinese culture and Fijian spirit. Every stroke of color deepens understanding of Chinese culture, every creation sows seeds of ecological conservation awareness, and every artwork weaves a brighter future for China-Fiji friendship.

Like pandas journeying across the sea, our friendship will endure and thrive. May these black-and-white wonders become vibrant bonds of color, inspiring our peoples to paint, admire, and create together—writing the next glorious chapter in our next fifty years!

Vinaka vakalevu!