Address by H.E. Ambassador Huang Yong at the Celebration of 2014 Mid-Autumn Festival and the 65th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China

(September 7th, 2014, Yat Sen School Hall, Suva)

Distinguished Commissioner of Police of Fiji Brigadier General Ben Groenewald, Chair of the Chinese Association in Fiji Madam Jenny Seeto, Fijian Chinese Community Leaders, Ladies and gentlemen, Friends,

Good morning to you all!

Today I have the pleasure to once again come to Yat Sen School to join all of you on this joyous occasion to celebrate the 2014 Mid-Autumn Festival and the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Here on behalf of Chinese Embassy in Fiji, I would like to extend my sincere and warm wishes to all that are present today and to all the Chinese people in Fiji.

“The moon on Mid-autumn Day is exceptionally bright and people on festivals miss their families more.” The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is an important moment when families get together to celebrate harvest and to share joy and love. Residing overseas, the Chinese people in Fiji still maintain the fine tradition of the Chinese nation, actively spreading the heritage of Chinese culture in Fiji. Every year the Chinese Association in Fiji and other associations will hold celebrations on the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, which creates a good opportunity for the overseas Chinese in Fiji to share kinship and joy. These celebrations also open a window for our Fijian friends to learn about and experience the Chinese culture. Here, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Chinese community leaders and all the overseas Chinese in Fiji who have been working very hard for these events.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends,

In more than 20 days, China will celebrate its 65th birthday. Since the founding of New China, China has made remarkable achievements in all aspects such as politics, economy, society, science, technology and livelihood. Currently, the Chinese government and people are trying to achieve the "two hundred years" goal and working hard to realize the "China Dream" which includes prosperity of the country, revitalization of the nation and happiness of the people. Meanwhile, the bilateral relationship between Fiji and China has been continuously developed in recent years. The cooperation of the two countries in politics, economy, military, police, culture and education has been more and more closely. The exchange and communication between the two peoples has also been more and more deepened. The increasing prosperity and power of China and ever-advancing bilateral ties between Fiji and China create a more favorable environment for the survival and development of overseas Chinese in Fiji. I hope that the overseas Chinese in Fiji can continue to work together to play the positive role of the Chinese community in Fiji and to further promote the development of the relationship between Fiji and China.

One for all and all for one. Building a harmonious Overseas Chinese Community is closely related to the common interest of all the overseas Chinese, which needs the care and devotion of each and every overseas Chinese in Fiji. The Overseas Chinese Community in Fiji serves as an important link to help all the overseas Chinese in Fiji to root and to flourish. It is also a strong anchor to maintain national sentiment and homeland feelings. Every overseas Chinese in Fiji is supposed to actively take part in activities organized by the Chinese community in Fiji; to voluntarily integrate into mainstream society; to focus on maintaining the overall fine image of the Chinese people; to strictly abide by the laws and regulations of Fiji and to actively contribute to the local community. The Fijian Chinese community leaders are supposed to put the general interest above all and to bear the overall situation in mind; to be indifferent to fame and wealth and to make selfless sacrifice. Besides strengthening its construction, each overseas Chinese association should play an active role in Fijian society by vigorously organizing a variety of activities to promote the Chinese culture; to support Chinese language education and Chinese media and to build a "harmonious Overseas Chinese Community” which is full of harmonious blending, win-win cooperation, unity, love and vibrancy.

Finally, I wish China prosperous and the relationship between Fiji and China flourishing. I also wish all of you good health, happiness and good luck.

Thank you!