The Chinese community in Samoa will join others throughout the world to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year which falls on February 1.

The celebration of the Chinese lunar new year is also known as the spring festival and is celebrated by Chinese all around the world. This year is the Year of the Tiger according to the Chinese Zodiac.

China’s Ambassador to Samoa, Chao Xiaoliang, told the Samoa Observer on Monday the festival is the most significant for the Chinese people and is equivalent to the benevolence that Samoans have for and display during the Christmas festivities.

“During this important festival, Chinese people would host annual family reunions and celebrate the advent of the spring,” said Mr Xiaoliang.

“It is also traditional for the Chinese families to clean their house which would ‘sweep away’ any ill fortune and to make way for incoming good luck.

“We’ll also decorate the house with delicate red paper-cuts and lanterns, arrange firework shows and make dumplings together, which all show our best wishes for a prosperous and happy new year.”

Looking at diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and China, Mr Xiaoliang said the festival would mark the beginning of a new year and a new stage for relations between the two countries.

“The traditional friendship between our two countries is profound and deep-rooted and we have made highlighted achievements in promoting cooperation in various fields, including agriculture, medical services, culture and education,” he said.

“Last December, we just held our first trip to provide free medical services to Savai’i people. “We are also about to finish the project of the Cultural and Arts Centre and Friendship Park and will hold the hand-over ceremony accordingly.”

The COVID-19 global pandemic has also opened the door for China and Samoa to work together to tackle the virus and this has come in the form of information sharing, experience exchange and cooperation on financial and medical supplies.

According to the diplomat, with the current 30 active COVID-19 cases in managed isolation in Samoa, Samoa can count on the assistance of China to address the risks associated with the pandemic. 

“Now a more severe pandemic risk occurs in Samoa, our heart is always with Samoan people and will provide assistance as we can to support our good friend,” Mr Xiaoliang said.

“By now a US$200,000 anti-pandemic fund has been provided to Samoa to fight against COVID-19 and promote economic and social recovery from the pandemic. 

“Pandemic prevention supplies such as rapid testing kits will be provided as soon as possible to provide further support.

“We believe that under the proactive and effective measures taken by the Government of Samoa and with the concert efforts of the people, Samoa will win the battle against the pandemic.”

China’s hosting of the 2022 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games from 4 February was also not lost on the diplomat, who said the spring festival coincides with the international sporting event.

“To successfully host the 2022 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is a solemn commitment China has made to the international community,” he said.

“We are confident and capable of presenting a simple, safe and splendid Olympic Games to the world.

“Welcome my dear friends from Samoa to watch the wonderful events of the 2022 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games through local broadcasters as Samoa Broadcasting Ltd.”

Close to 3,000 athletes from all over the world are expected to compete in the global sporting extravaganza which starts in China this Friday.