Chinese Consulate welcome new Consulate-General Pan Qingjian in Chinese New Year reception
Chinese Consulate doesn’t need fireworks to host a banger of a Chinese New Year’s reception, and welcoming dinner, in Sandton.
The Chinese Consulate operating out of Sandhurst hosted a special Chinese New Year Reception officially welcoming the incoming Consulate-General (CG) Pan Qingjiang to Sandton on January 19.
The festival, held at the Hilton hotel, was lively and spirited; opening with a traditional Chinese Lion Dance Show, a beautiful performance by two lion puppets animated by dancers on the inside, before a singing of both nations’ national anthems.
The event was further defined by art and cultural performances which included singers from both countries, a breathtaking martial arts drumming presentation by the Nan Hua Temple from Bronhorstspruit, and a riveting showing by the Amashoshozela Zulu Dancers following remarks by the organisers and honoured guests.
The program for the event was directed by Deputy CG Zhou Yujiang, who coordinated proceedings seamlessly and bridging language barriers for the diverse celebrants in attendance.
When the new Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Johannesburg Pan Qingjiang spoke, it was with respect and appreciation for the relationship between the Republics of South Africa and the people of China. Pan, crediting the relationship as being in its golden era, affirmed China’s commitment to promoting a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect and justice; as well as building an ‘open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lots of peace, numerous security and shared prosperity through joint efforts’.
“Welcome and thank you all for joining us today to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and bid farewell to the old one,” said Pan in his address. “Over the past year, the world remains volatile. Amidst the current international landscape, China has always graced the world and fulfilled its responsibilities as a major country.
“Guided by the idea of the global community with a shared future, China calls for an equal and orderly multipolar world.”
The official proceedings were followed by a feast for guests and honoured delegates, among whom were cohorts from the offices of the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, and Premier of Free State, Mxolisi Dukwana, whose province scored the highest rate in the latest matriculation results.
The relationship between the Chinese Consul in Sandhurst and the office of the Premier of the Free State is now in its 26th year.
Pan asked guests to enjoy themselves, as the night was indeed a celebration of the year of the dragon – the fifth animal of 12 signs in the Chinese zodiac cycle.
“You know, we’re celebrating the Chinese New Year today; this function is a wonderful one, a touching one [special].” Pan expressed his gratitude to the Republic of South Africa. “Both peoples react and meet together to enjoy the happiness and the harmony and the peace. That fully demonstrates that our two peoples are so close at heart and appreciate each other’s culture.”
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