Over the weekend in Suva, Fiji, significant celebrations of Chinese culture took place, attended by Fiji’s President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and China’s Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian, alongside various government ministers, Chinese community leaders, families, and friends.
Hosted by the Fiji Chinese Association, the events commemorated China’s National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival with elaborate feasting and cultural performances. President Ratu Wiliame emphasized the importance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, highlighting its deep cultural meaning for the Chinese community both in Fiji and worldwide.
Ambassador Zhou explained that the 15th day of the 8th lunar month is celebrated as a time for family reunions and festivities, marking a day when the moon shines brightest and fullest. Families traditionally gather to share moon cakes during this occasion.
Jenny Seeto, the President of the Chinese Association of Fiji, spoke about the significance of celebrating China’s National Day, which falls on October 1. She noted that it has become customary for the Chinese community in Fiji to honor both events together due to their close dates.
Seeto expressed pride in the strong and lasting relationship between Fiji and China, referencing the Fijian Prime Minister’s recent successful visit to China. She reflected on China’s remarkable journey from its beginnings to becoming a global powerhouse, praising the vision and resilience of its leaders.
Both Ratu Wiliame and Seeto recognized the contributions of the Chinese community to Fiji’s nation-building and the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.