The Most Honourable Governor-General Dame Cynthia Pratt,
The Honourable Prime Minister Philip Davis and Mrs. Davis,
Distinguished guests,
Chinese Enterprises and Overseas Chinese in The Bahamas,
Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

Good evening. With the protocols fully established, it is my great pleasure to extend Chinese New Year greetings and warm wishes to all of you, in appreciation of your continued support for China-Bahamas friendship. This year marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar. The horse symbolizes strength, perseverance, and forward momentum. May this spirit inspire our two countries to advance steadily in development and achieve new milestones in cooperation.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, has been celebrated for thousands of years. It embodies values of harmony, inclusion, and reunion, while also reflecting the vitality of China’s modern governance. Allow me to share three vivid Spring Festival moments that highlight an innovative, dynamic, and open China.

The first moment is the high-speed train journey home.

Each Spring Festival, millions of people return to their families in what is the world’s largest annual migration. Over 40 days, about 540 million trips take place—roughly 1.5 times the population of the United States. This is made possible by more than 50,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, linking cities and villages across China. Over 14,000 trains run daily at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour. Yet what matters most is not speed alone, but modern governance: easy ticket booking, special services for the elderly and low-income groups, and extra trains for late-night travel. All serve one simple goal—helping people return home quickly, safely, and conveniently. This is China’s people-centered approach in action.

The second moment is a football match in the countryside.

In a small village in Guizhou province, the Spring Festival is celebrated on a football field. There are no professional players—only farmers, teachers, workers, and young people. There are no expensive tickets—only cheers, drums, and shared joy. The local government supported this passion by improving facilities and services. Today, this village football league is known far beyond China. Stars such as Kaká from Brazil and Baggio from Italy have joined, along with nearly 30 teams from around the world. It showcases a vibrant, open, and confident rural China.

The third moment is Chinese red lighting up the world.

The Spring Festival is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, just as Junkanoo is for The Bahamas. Today, it is celebrated across continents. Nearly 20 countries recognize it as a holiday, and people in about 200 countries take part in the festivities. Its message is simple and universal: reunion, kindness, and friendship. These values connect China with the world.

These three moments may seem ordinary, yet they reveal the essence of China’s governance: technology serving the people, good governance fostering vitality, and openness connecting China with the world. Along this path of modernization, China successfully completed its 14th Five-Year Plan in 2025. New drivers such as artificial intelligence and aerospace grew rapidly, and the economy surpassed 20 trillion US dollars, contributing around 30 percent to global growth.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

As a Chinese saying goes, “One flower alone does not make spring; a hundred flowers in bloom bring spring to the garden.” The purpose and benefits of China’s governance have never been limited to China itself, but aim to help build a community with a shared future for mankind. In 2026, China embarks on its 15th Five-Year Plan, pursuing high-quality development and deeper opening-up. A China that upholds mutual respect, offers a mega market, and actively promotes inclusive globalization will continue to bring enormous opportunities to the world, including The Bahamas.

Changes of the world, of our times, and of historical significance are unfolding like never before. President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and most recently, the Global Governance Initiative. These four initiatives present Chinese solutions to global challenges. They call for unity over division and cooperation over confrontation. Just like the Bahamians, we firmly believe that all countries—regardless of size, strength, or wealth—are equal and deserve mutual respect. China stands ready to work with The Bahamas to uphold multilateralism and promote a fairer, more just international order.

China is willing not only to be the world’s factory, but also the world’s market. We appreciate that The Bahamas has been adhering to the one-China principle. We warmly welcome The Bahamas to seize China’s development opportunities.  

Ladies and gentlemen,   

Just before this Spring Festival, 203 Bahamians welcomed a brighter new year. Through the China-Bahamas collaborative Brightness Action Initiative, these Bahamians regained their sight. This project demonstrates a simple truth: China-Bahamas friendship delivers real benefits to the people, and our cooperation has a bright future ahead.

Finally, let me propose a toast:

To the peace and prosperity of China and The Bahamas,

To the lasting friendship between our two countries,

And to good health, happiness, and a wonderful Year of the Horse for you all!

Cheers!