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,

With the protocols fully established, it is my great pleasure to warmly welcome all of you to celebrate together the Spring Festival, also known for us as the Chinese Lunar New Year. The Spring Festival is a time of reunion. Our gathering tonight symbolizes the unity of the big China-Bahamas family. Allow me to extend the sincere and best wishes of the Lunar New Year to all of you.

The Spring Festival is the most time-honored, culturally rich, and widely celebrated traditional festival of the Chinese people, embodying our deepest emotions. Last month, the Spring Festival was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition is a great reflection of China’s commitment to promoting Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, fostering exchanges and mutual learning between different cultures. China upholds the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness among cultures. We believe in drawing wisdom and strength from diverse cultures, complementing each other's strengths, and progressing together to contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Three weeks ago, I had the privilege of experiencing an equally remarkable cultural celebration here in The Bahamas—the Junkanoo parade, which was also inscribed on UNESCO’s heritage list. I recognized that each group in the parade had its own unique style. I believe many of their fans are present here. The performance by the champion group, Saxon Superstars, was particularly inspiring for me as it incorporated elements from different cultures, including those from China, such as traditional Chinese fans and Peking opera masks. This once again demonstrated the inclusiveness, diversity, and strength of the Bahamian culture. I am convinced that the charm of cultural exchange and mutual appreciation makes Junkanoo a well-deserved cultural treasure of the world.

The Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas remains committed to promoting cultural exchanges. In recent years, we have supported Bahamian organizations such as the Bahamas-China Friendship Association, Chinese Community Association of The Bahamas, and The Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association in hosting a variety of Chinese cultural events, including the Dragon Boat Festival, Kite Flying Festival, and Chinese calligraphy event. Last year’s Dragon Boat Festival attracted nearly 30 teams from not only The Bahamas, but also the United States and Canada. I believe the Dragon Boat Festival can serve as a very good business card for Bahamian sports culture and cultural tourism.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

In 2024, China’s economy overcame numerous challenges posed by a complex domestic and international environment. It reached a new milestone by surpassing 130 trillion RMB Yuan, achieving a growth rate of 5% compared to the previous year, making Chinese economy continue to be a major driving force of the global economy. The Communist Party of China held the Third Plenary Session of its 20th Central Committee, launching a new phase of comprehensive reforms that opened broader prospects for China’s modernization. We have achieved breakthroughs in technological innovation, with the rapid development of new productive forces. The annual production of new energy vehicles has surpassed 10 million for the first time, and significant progress has been made in fields such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and quantum communication. In the face of a turbulent international landscape, China’s diplomacy has been actively promoting reforms in global governance, strengthening solidarity and cooperation within the Global South, steering the trend of the times toward peace, development, and win-win cooperation, and injecting much-needed stability into an uncertain world.

Both China and The Bahamas belong to the “Global South.” The modernization that China is pursuing is not for China alone. We are ready to work with the Global South to advance modernization of common prosperity. We are more than happy to welcome The Bahamas to take the express train of China’s development and are committed to share our strength and success for The Bahamas sincerely. In 2024, China-Bahamas relations have continued to make steady progress, with more frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation across various fields. The Bahamian government has expressed support for the Global Development Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping and has reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle on multiple occasions. The Speaker of the House of Assembly and the President of the Senate jointly led a delegation to China, while delegations from Hunan, Shandong, and Guizhou provinces visited The Bahamas. Key projects symbolizing our friendship, such as the renovation of the national stadium, the new hospital in Nassau, and the demonstration farm, have all made significant progress. Nearly 100 Bahamian friends, invited and supported by the Chinese Embassy, traveled to China to experience Chinese culture and witness China’s modernization.

Looking ahead to 2025, China will fully implement the 14th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development, adopting more proactive policies to sustain positive economic and social momentum. In the new year, China is eager to work hand in hand with The Bahamas to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance cultural exchange and mutual learning, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. We look forward to lifting China-Bahamas relations to a higher level and creating a better future for our peoples.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

In just a few days, we will usher in the Year of the Snake in the Chinese lunar calendar. In China these days, many people are eagerly anticipating returning home for family reunion. The annual Spring Festival travel rush, the largest human movement in the world, has already begun. Over the past week alone, more than 1.3 billion trips have been made across the country, and it is estimated that the total number of cross-regional trips during this year’s Spring Festival will reach 9 billion, with an average of over 14,000 trains operating daily. At the same time, the Chinese embassy here in Nassau will take a short break to celebrate the festival. We will enjoy a five-day holiday filled with joy. Really can’t wait.

In Chinese culture, the snake symbolizes longevity, productivity and prosperity. The Year of the Snake will be a year full of hope and opportunities.

Let me propose a toast,

To a happy and prosperous Year of the Snake,

To China-Bahamas friendship,

To the good health and happiness of all distinguished guests tonight!

Cheers!