Hon. Acting Prime Minister Biman Chand Prasad,
Hon. Speaker of the Parliament Filimone Jitoko,
Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament,
Members of the diplomatic corps,|
Representatives of international organizations,
Members of the Chinese community,
Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

Bula Vinaka!

Tonight, we gather with great joy to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and to mark the historic milestone of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji, I extend my warmest welcome to all distinguished guests, and my best wishes to Chinese community, enterprises personnel, agricultural experts, teachers and students in Fiji!

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

Over the past half-century, the friendship between China and Fiji has witnessed magnificent progress in our respective development journeys.

50 years ago, China embarked on the remarkable journey of reform and opening-up, steering the nation onto a new historical course and ushering in a new chapter in its development. 50 years have passed by, and now we are approaching the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Looking back, what strikes us most is how hard-won our achievements have been. China has grown from a nation starting from scratch to the world’s second-largest economy, achieving the tremendous transformation from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong. We have eradicated absolute poverty, lifting nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty—a miracle in the history of poverty alleviation.

What makes us most proud is the outstanding success of Chinese modernization. China has built the world’s most extensive industrial system, embraced rapid technological innovation, and widely adopted artificial intelligence. Technologies like 5G and mobile payments have made daily life more convenient, our photovoltaic and electric vehicle industries lead the world, and manned space exploration continues to break new ground. The modern vision of our future society is gradually unfolding.

What inspires us most is China’s ever-widening openness to the world. As a major trading partner to over 150 countries and regions, China has achieved import and export growth with more than 160 partners. Our development continues to provide new opportunities for the world, contributing nearly 30 percent to global economic growth for many consecutive years.

What brings us the greatest gratification is China’s steadfast commitment to green, low-carbon development. Nowadays, our skies are bluer, our mountains greener, and our waters clearer. China has become a global leader in afforestation, adding more green coverage than other countries at an unprecedented pace.

Meanwhile, in the vast South Pacific, our good friend Fiji has also demonstrated remarkable development vitality. Since gaining independence in 1970, the Fijian government and people have achieved significant progress in maintaining national stability, boosting economy, improving infrastructure, raising living standards, and addressing climate change.

The Fijian government continues to promote economic diversification, effectively strengthening economic resilience. Tourism and the sugar industry are thriving, while Fiji Water and Pure Fiji have gained global recognition. Traditional products such as kava, turmeric, and sugarcane are increasingly bursting with new vitality.

Fiji’s rugby team has claimed Olympic gold twice, reigning supreme on the global stage with its power and speed. Active in regional and international affairs, Fiji is a pioneering force in peacekeeping and climate action. Hon. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s vision of an “Ocean of Peace” has become a public good for the region and the world at large. With exceptional wisdom and action, Fiji has set an outstanding example of a small nation with a big voice on the global stage.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

50 years ago, with extraordinary political vision and determination, the leaders of China and Fiji decided to establish diplomatic relations based on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, which opened a new era in China-Fiji relations. 50 years later, China-Fiji friendship has yielded fruitful outcomes:

We have established a comprehensive strategic partnership. Leaders of both countries have visited each other frequently, with high-level exchanges exceeding 70 times. Fiji is the only Pacific island country that President Xi Jinping has visited twice. Since my arrival, I have been honored to witness Hon. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Hon. Speaker Filimone Jitoko lead delegations to China. Guided by the strategic vision of our leaders, China and Fiji have a established comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect and common development. We consistently support each other on issues involving our respective core interests. Successive Fijian governments have adhered to the one-China principle, and China firmly supports Fiji in safeguarding its sovereignty and independence.

We have achieved substantial and pragmatic cooperation outcomes. Over the past 50 years, bilateral trade between China and Fiji has soared from US$2.3 million to US$534 million in 2024, making China Fiji’s third-largest trading partner. The two countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Belt and Road cooperation, accelerating the alignment of both development strategies.

China-aided infrastructure projects, once nonexistent, have now taken root across Fiji’s major islands, with over 20 projects completed. Facilities such as the Vodafone Arena, National Aquatic Center, and hockey center have provided strong guarantees for Fiji to host major events like the Pacific Games. The China-aided Stinson Parade Bridge and Vatuwaqa Bridge have addressed the traffic congestion that has troubled Suva citizens for years. The Suva Civic Center, aided by Guangdong Province of China, has become a landmark venue for government meetings and cultural events.

Juncao technology and rice planting technology have become a source of prosperity for thousands of local families. The ongoing Vanua Levu Road upgrading project will further pave Fiji’s way toward prosperity and connectivity. More and more Chinese people are embracing the new fashion of drinking Fiji Water, using Pure Fiji products, and spending holidays in Fiji.

We have deepened the friendship between our peoples. The mutual visa exemption policy has significantly facilitated our people-to-people exchanges, while 10 sister cities and provinces are connected like pearls on a string. The high chiefs of Fiji have experienced the miracles of Chinese modernization firsthand by taking high-speed trains, visiting local communities, and exploring rural areas. The Chinese “Bright Journey” medical team has restored sight to hundreds of patients with eye diseases. At this very moment, members of the latest Chinese medical team to Fiji are among us. Art troupes from various Chinese provinces and municipalities have brought performances across the ocean, offering Fijian people a spectacular showcase of Chinese culture. The Chinese Government Scholarship helped over 300 Fijian students pursue further study in China. Faced with global challenges of cyclones, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Fiji have stood together in solidarity, writing touching stories of China-Fiji friendship.

We have made significant contributions to safeguarding global peace. China is the largest contributor of peacekeeping personnel among the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the second-largest funder of UN peacekeeping operations. At the same time, Fiji contributes the most peacekeepers per capita among all nations. As developing countries, both China and Fiji have consistently adhered to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, opposed hegemony and power politics, advocated for the peaceful resolution of international disputes, and urged action on global challenges such as climate change and nuclear proliferation. Together, we are striving to build a new international order that is more just and equitable.

Reflecting on the past illuminates the path forward. The 50-year history of China-Fiji relations offers us valuable insights:

— Mutual respect is the cornerstone of the enduring stability of our bilateral relations.

— Mutual benefit and win-win cooperation are key drivers of our respective development journeys.

— Upholding justice reflects the shared responsibility we bear as nations of the Global South.

Let these principles guide us as we step forward together into the next golden chapter of China-Fiji relations.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

The future of China-Fiji relations will be written by our two peoples together. Standing at this new starting point, I would like to share my wishes for the future of our relations:

China and Fiji should be partners in development and prosperity. Our two nations share not only a profound traditional friendship, but also a common aspiration for a better life. China will continue to provide support and assistance to Fiji within its capacity, increase imports of high-quality Fijian products, and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Fiji. We will work with the Fijian people to tackle the challenges of climate change, and help Fiji better leverage its resource, environmental, and human strengths to achieve sustainable development and common prosperity.

China and Fiji should be true brothers connected at heart. Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. China will continue to send medical teams and arrange cultural and art troupes to Fiji, and provide more Chinese Government Scholarships, which will build a broad platform for people-to-people exchanges between China and Fiji. We also look forward to working with Fiji to launch direct flights soon, build an aerial economic corridor, attract more Chinese tourists to Fiji, and contribute further to local economy.

China and Fiji should be allies in global governance. The world today is far from tranquil, with the global governance deficit continuing to widen. The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) recently proposed by President Xi Jinping and the “Ocean of Peace” advocated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka offer new solutions for improving global governance and safeguarding global peace. China stands ready to work with Fiji to uphold the international system with the UN at its core and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We also support the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. By practicing true multilateralism, we can break down “small circles” through “greater solidarity”, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

Fiji, this shining pearl of the South Pacific, captivates the world not only with its breathtaking scenery but also with the spirit of rugby that defines its national character. Every time I watch a Fijian rugby game, the thunderous cry of “Toso, Toso!” echoing across the field stirs my soul. It means “Forward, forward!” To me, it represents more than just a rallying call on the field. It embodies Fiji’s spirit of unity and relentless determination.

Today, I’d like to use this powerful call as we cheer on the next chapter of China-Fiji relations:

Toso Viti, Toso China!

Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses, and join me in a toast:

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

To the everlasting friendship between China and Fiji; and

To the happiness and health of all the guests present,

Cheers!