The Chinese community in Samoa celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year during a reception at the Chinese Embassy at Vailima on Friday evening. 

The Spring festival is the very first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year and is the biggest festival for Chinese people. 

China's Ambassador to Samoa, Chao Xiaoliang, wished the guests good health for the New Year. 

He also recalled the year 2019 marking the 70^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. 

Mr. Xiaoliang applauded the great achievements from Chinese in building socialism and its strong presence in the Pacific. 

“As China established diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands and resumed diplomatic relations with Kiribati, China's friend circle became bigger and bigger, and the "One China" consensus has been greatly increasing in the international community,” he said. 

It was also in 2019 that President Xi Jinping visited Samoa and leaders of the Pacific Island Countries held its first forum. 

“China and Samoa maintained high-level mutual visits and close people-to-people exchanges,” said the Ambassador. 

“Two governments signed 7 cooperation agreements in the fields of trade and investment, agriculture, fishery, etc. 

“The Minister of Culture and Tourism of China Mr. Li Shugang was present at the opening ceremony of the China-Pacific Island Countries Tourism Year held in Samoa.”

The Pacific Games in 2019 was also one of the big events that China came through to offer much needed support. 

Mr. Xiaoliang said China provided substantial support for the success of the Pacific Games hosted by Samoa, especially the opening and closing ceremonies. 

“Whilst, more than 300 Samoa athletes and coaches were invited to receive training in China,” he said. 

“It was wonderful to see that Samoa achieved the best record in history by winning the third in both the Gold Medal Tally and the Medal Count.”

During the measles epidemic, China’s Red Cross society donated US$100,000 worth of humanitarian aid. 

“The Chinese medical professionals dedicated themselves unswervingly to the treatment of patients,” said the Ambassador. 

“Their contribution earned respect and appreciation from the Samoa government and Samoa people.”

Mr. Xiaoliang also acknowledged the support oft eh Chinese community in Samoa who are pioneers and contributing to the development of the country. 

For a long time, the Chinese Communities in Samoa have been hardworking and friendly, staying harmoniously with the local people and actively integrating into the local society. 

“I hope that on the basis of your own development, the Chinese Communities could continue to serve as the bridge and bond between China and Samoa , and play an active role in promoting the friendly exchanges, common development and common prosperity between China and Samoa.”