On the evening of 25 September 2023, in the Pearl of the South Pacific—Suva, the capital of the Republic of Fiji, the sound of waves crashing, coconut trees rustling, and the Chinese national flag fluttering in the breeze. The century-old Grand Pacific Hotel was aglow with lights, filled with guests, as the Chinese Embassy in Fiji hosted a grand reception here, warmly celebrating the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

More than 400 guests participated in the event, among whom are Fijian dignitaries including President H.E. Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, Acting Prime Minister Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Biman Prasad, Spouse of Prime Minister, Acting Chief Justice, 11 cabinet ministers, members of Parliament, former statesmen, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, traditional leaders, friends from business, culture, media sectors, Chinese nationals and overseas Chinese including Chinese enterprises personnel, agricultural experts, Chinese language teachers and overseas students in Fiji. China Media Group, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Fiji Sun, The Fiji Times, Fijivillage and other media reported on the spot. A live broadcasting has been made via the Embassy’s twitter account.

At the venue, there was a splendid display of lanterns and decorations, with the national flags of China and Fiji bright and eye-catching, creating an atmosphere filled with festive joy. The "China High Speed Rail Construction Art Photography Exhibition" organized by the China Cultural Center in Fiji was displayed on site. A series of photographic works show the world's longest high-speed rail network and China's development achievements in the new era. The Confucius Institute at the University of the South Pacific, the China-Pacific Island Countries Juncao Technology Demonstration Center, and the Third Phase of China-Fiji Agricultural Development Project set up several booths to vividly showcase the latest achievements in people-to-people exchanges and agricultural cooperation between China and Fiji. Accompanied by Ambassador Zhou Jian, President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere and other distinguished guests visited the photography exhibition and relevant booths, highly praised China's great achievements and sincerely thanked China for its selfless assistance to Fiji's development.

The reception kicked off with Chinese and Fijian teenagers singing the national anthems of the two countries. On the main screen, a video produced by the Embassy presenting a panoramic view of the magnificent picture of Chinese modernization, recalling the historical moments of China-Fiji relations and vividly telling stories of the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in various fields since Ambassador Zhou Jian took office nearly one year ago.

Then, Ambassador Zhou Jian delivered a speech entitled "Build a Better Future for China-Fiji Relations".

Ambassador Zhou said, “Since taking office, most of my time has been devoted to promoting mutual understanding between the people of China and Fiji. I have visited many cities and villages on the main islands of Fiji. At the same time, more Fijian friends visited China to see and understand contemporary China with their own eyes. Over the past 74 years, China has made remarkable achievements in its development. Its science and technology have become more and more advanced, and people's lives have become happier and more fulfilling. Fundamentally, China has found a correct development path, which is Chinese modernization. The Chinese people will continue along this path.”

“Since taking office, what impressed me most is that China and Fiji share many similar pursuits. We are both committed to a world of common prosperity, universal security, open and inclusive. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, advocating that we need to build international consensus on promoting development and no country or individual should be left behind, advocating the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and advocating that we should respect the diversity of civilizations, refrain from imposing own values or models on others, stop stoking ideological confrontation.” 

“Since taking office, my strongest confidence lies in the bright future of China-Fiji relations. My confidence stems from the long-standing friendship between China and Fiji, from the leaders’ dedication of both sides, and from the fact that both countries and peoples sincerely help each other.”

Ambassador Zhou said that from the end of last year, Fiji and China successively elected new governments, the China-Fiji relations stand at a new starting point.

He pointed out, “Looking ahead, China and Fiji will continue to be good friends with mutual respect. China fully respects the sovereignty and independence of Pacific Island countries, fully respects their will, fully respects their cultural traditions, and fully respects their effort to seek strength through unity. We appreciate that Hon. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reiterated that the Fijian government adheres to the one-China principle. The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. The greatest threat to cross-Strait peace is ‘Taiwan independence’ forces and foreign connivance and support for their activities. China must and will be reunified. No one should underestimate the resolve, the will, and the ability of the Chinese people to defend our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” 

“Looking ahead, China and Fiji will continue to be good partners for common development. China will align the Belt and Road Initiative with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and promote fruitful cooperation under the Global Development Initiative. We will encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji, carry out cooperation in areas like green infrastructure, digital economy, clean energy and low-carbon technology, and expand imports of high-quality products from Fiji, so as to support Fiji’s endeavors to achieve sustainable development.”

“Looking ahead, China and Fiji will continue to be good brothers with shared stances. As both developing and Asia-Pacific countries, China will work with Fiji to practice true multilateralism, firmly uphold the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, and resolutely resist all attempts to stoke a ‘new cold war’. We will join hands to combat climate change, protect the blue ocean and safeguard our common homeland.”

At the end of the speech, Ambassador Zhou said that rugby has the spirit of unity, courage and wisdom. “I believe these virtues also apply to China-Fiji relations. Let us be each other’s back, promote cooperation with unity, overcome difficulties with courage, and create miracles with wisdom, so as to build a better future for China-Fiji relations.”

Ambassador Zhou's speech aroused strong resonance from the guests, and won a big round of applause. Ms. Rosa Dalituicama, Acting Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Fiji, then delivered a speech on behalf of the Fiji Government, warmly congratulating the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. She said that Fiji and China have enjoyed very close and cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975. Over the years, the relations have grown from strength to strength with cooperation across various sectors. China-Fiji partnership has been guided by shared aspirations and common interests towards a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual trust and respect. Fiji commends the visionary leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping in China's national growth, and the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The People’s Republic of China remains a key partner for Fiji, in the achievement of our sustainable development aspirations, and in addressing the challenges of our time.

Ambassador Zhou, together with Fiji’s President, Acting Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, wife of Prime Minister, attended the cake cutting ceremony and jointly conveyed their best wishes for China's prosperity and China-Fiji friendship. Performers from Guangzhou, China presented wonderful performances to the guests. The difficult acrobatic movements demonstrated the superb level of Chinese acrobatics; the female group dance and folk music presented the unique charm of Chinese traditional culture, especially Cantonese culture; the female solo performed "I Love You China" and "Good Luck Arrives" sang out the Chinese people's love for the motherland and yearning for a better life. Students from Fiji’s Yat Sen School sang the Chinese famous folk song "Jasmine flower" and performed Chinese martial arts under the guidance of artists from Chongqing, China. All performances won full cheers and warm applause from the audience.

The guests present warmly congratulated the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, admired China's development achievements, praised China's important contribution to the cause of world peace and development, and wished China-Fiji friendship last forever. Chinese nationals expressed that Ambassador Zhou's speech was encouraging and inspiring. They are proud of the prosperity of their motherland and full of confidence in the bright future of Chinese modernization. They will continue to make contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the cause of China-Fiji friendship.