中文
EnglishHon. Minister Lanelle Tanangada,
Respected Ms. Constance Nasi, CEO of SITESA,
Friends of Solomon Islands, students,
Good afternoon!
It is the first time for the Chinese Embassy to invite Solomon Islands students here since the Embassy officially opened in September. Today's virtual dialogue will be hosted by Counsellor Yao Ming, Deputy Head of Mission of the Chinese Embassy, and we have planned for it a few months ago. Education cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries is of great importance. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Hon. Minister Tanangada for your valuable support, and Ministry of Education of Solomon Islands officials for the hard work of coordination.
Since establishment of diplomatic relations in September 2019, our two countries, through consultation, have reached an agreement on transferring Solomon Islands students from Taiwan to Mainland China. Last October, Former Minister of Education of Solomon Islands paid a successful visit to China and met with his Chinese counterpart. The two ministers had good discussions and made special arrangements for transferred Solomon Islands students. Last year, Universities in Mainland China enrolled 91 Solomon Islands students. This year, Chinese universities admitted another 31 Solomon Islands students. The Chinese Embassy has maintained close contact with the Chinese education authorities and tried to work out your travelling plan. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 has changed our plan. I understand the inconveniences Solomon Islands students are having now. The Chinese Embassy has been actively coordinating with the Chinese education authorities and relevant universities to make arrangements such as retaining scholarship qualifications and online courses, so as to minimize the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, in order to promote understanding of China and Chinese universities, the Chinese Embassy invited teachers from four top-level Chinese universities, which are Jilin university, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing Language and Culture University and Southern Medical University to join us in this virtual dialogue to introduce the pandemic prevention and control measures in Chinese universities, as well as border control policies and admission arrangements for international students. I wish all of you could make good use of this opportunity to actively participate in the interactions with Chinese teachers on issues of interest, to make better preparations for your future China trip. The Chinese Embassy will closely watch the pandemic situation and border control policies of our two countries, and get ready to offer help.
Dear friends,
China and Solomon Islands have established relationship more than one year ago. We are good friends and developing partners. I know some of you have studied Chinese language before, some may not know about China well, some might still have some questions about studying in China. So, why should we study in China? Because China is so big and important, it's one of the most fast-developing countries, the second largest economy and the largest industry in the world. China's GDP has reached 14.4 trillion US dollars in 2019. According to the latest Nature Index, among the top-grade 100 universities in the world, 21 of them are located in mainland China. The composite teaching and research capacities of Chinese universities in aerospace, artificial intelligence, bio-medicine and some basic science areas have been widely recognized by the world. China has lifted 850 million people from poverty since its reform and opening up 42 years ago. By studying in China, you can not only improve professional skills and scientific attainments, but also learn China's experience of development and make better contributions to the development of Solomon Islands once you come back.
I have also learned that some of you have studied in Taiwan. Perhaps you are still wondering why Solomon Islands made the decision to establish the diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. A simple answer is, this is a right decision. The decision made by Solomon Islands Government last September is the common aspirations of the two peoples and the trend with the times, and Solomon Islands stands on the right side of history. One-China principle is the common consensus of the international community and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. One-China principle is also stipulated in the relevant resolution of the UN. Among the total of 197 countries around the world, 180 of them have established diplomatic relations with China. Last month, I wrote an article in the Solomon Star which titled "Embrace China, Embrace the Future". I gave introductions on achievements in our bilateral relations and tangible cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. At the end of October, the fifth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was successfully held in Beijing. The session adopted the CPC Central Committee's proposals for the formulation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035, which drew up a magnificent blueprint for a socialist modernized China including the prospect of China's GDP per capita will reach moderately developed level. I firmly believe that with joint efforts of both sides, the future of relations between China and Solomon Islands will be even brighter.
Dear friends,
Before the virtual dialogue starts, I want to give you an advice for students who are still waiting for the trip to China. Be patient and well prepared for your life and studies in China. I sincerely wish our dear students will not divert attention away during this pandemic time, but to keep enhancing learning, so that you can catch up with studies in Chinese universities in the future. I also wish all of you, when you arrive in China, will not only acquire the knowledge and skills in Chinese universities, but also serve as a bridge of friendship between our two peoples.
In conclusion, I wish today's virtual dialogue a complete success. Thank you!