The Grand Pacific Hotel was vibrant last Thursday as the Chinese Embassy organized the “China Guizhou Bridge Construction Art Photography Exhibition” to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. The event attracted government ministers, members of the diplomatic community, leaders from the local Chinese community, and other guests.
During his keynote speech, China’s Ambassador to Fiji, Zhou Jian, discussed Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent state visit to China. The Prime Minister’s journey from China’s hilly southwest to the coastal east, along with visits to remote villages and the capital city of Beijing, allowed him to witness the country’s transformation from poverty to prosperity, marking a fresh chapter in China-Fiji relations.
Ambassador Zhou emphasized the need for China and Fiji, both nations committed to peace, to collaborate on addressing global challenges. He advocated for unity over division, cooperation over confrontation, inclusiveness over exclusion, and win-win scenarios instead of zero-sum outcomes to foster stability in an increasingly turbulent world.
The exhibition presented breathtaking images of Guizhou’s innovative bridge construction, which represented not only engineering excellence but also the larger theme of progress and connection. “These bridges symbolize the spirit of cooperation that characterizes China-Fiji relations,” Zhou stated.
He highlighted the strengthening of ties between China and Fiji over the years, facilitated by initiatives such as Chinese government scholarships and various aid projects. “Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for both our countries and their people,” he concluded.