Joanne Cilia Vosalevu, a 23-year-old Fijian woman, has embarked on her Chinese language journey at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. A student from the University of the South Pacific (USP) majoring in IT and business management, she began her Chinese studies three years prior at the Confucius Institute at the USP. Joanne’s mother introduced her to Chinese culture, cultivating a passion that led her to explore various Chinese arts, from traditional songs to the hulusi flute.
Joanne’s commitment to the language and culture led to her victory at the 20th Chinese Bridge Chinese Preliminary Competition in Fiji in 2021. She also won the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (CLEC), allowing her a year-long study opportunity in China. CLEC, associated with China’s Ministry of Education, serves to promote the Chinese language and offers platforms for intercultural exchanges.
Established in 2012, the Confucius Institute at the USP has been pivotal for many like Joanne in the South Pacific region, providing a platform to learn Chinese within their countries. Beyond language courses, the institute also introduces learners to unique elements of Chinese culture like paper cutting and tea art. This effort is seen as an integral part of fostering understanding between the South Pacific nations and China.
A testament to the growing bond between China and Pacific nations is Chung Wah School in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Here, young students sing Chinese songs celebrating friendship, symbolizing the increasing depth of ties between the countries. While the school was initially established by the Chinese community post-World War II, now, most of its students, not ethnically Chinese, also learn the language.
China’s growing influence is evident in various sectors, from tourism to development in Fiji. With the influx of Chinese tourists, there’s a rising demand for Chinese language skills in the hospitality sector. Li Yini, the director of the Confucius Institute at the USP, shares that many Fijians see the value in learning Chinese, leading to a trend where classes often exceed their capacity.
Joanne believes that Fiji can further benefit from closer ties with China, not only in tourism and culture but also in technology and infrastructural development. She points out China’s contributions to Fiji’s development in the form of roads, buildings, and supermarkets, emphasizing the importance of mutual growth.
In conclusion, the rising interest in Chinese language and culture is building bridges across the Pacific, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation between China and South Pacific nations.
READ MORE: