President of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Dr Patrick Herminie, was the guest of honour on Thursday evening as Seychelles and China marked the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival 2026 during a reception hosted at the Chinese Residence, “Panda House,” in Sans Soucis.
Accompanied by Mrs Herminie, the President joined Vice President Mr Sebastien Pillay and Mrs Pillay, Cabinet Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, the Chinese community, and invited guests for an evening that underscored the depth of the Seychelles–China partnership and the enduring people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The programme opened with a short video showcasing China’s progress as a nation, followed by the playing of the National Anthems of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Seychelles, setting a dignified tone for the celebration.
Welcoming guests, H.E. Ms Lin Nan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Seychelles, expressed her pleasure at receiving President Herminie at the newly inaugurated Chinese Residence. She highlighted the cultural significance of the Spring Festival as a time of renewal, family reunion, and continuity of tradition, values that resonate strongly with Seychelles’ own multicultural heritage, now recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage and celebrated worldwide. This year’s celebrations, she noted, usher in the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength, vitality, and success.
Ambassador Lin reflected on China’s development achievements, marking the conclusion of the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan and the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030). She outlined China’s focus on innovation, market expansion, high-standard opening-up, green transformation, and common prosperity, while reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting partners such as Seychelles. She noted that these priorities continue to create opportunities for strengthened cooperation with Seychelles in areas of shared interest.
In her address, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs Amanda Bernstein, emphasised the significance of the occasion as Seychelles and China approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. She paid tribute to President Herminie’s leadership and to five decades of cooperation built on mutual respect, trust, and tangible results across key sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, housing, tourism, fisheries, and environmental conservation.
The programme also featured a handover ceremony of supplies for the China-Aided Construction and Implementation of the South-South Cooperation Low Carbon Demonstration Zone for Addressing Climate Change, highlighting the shared commitment of Seychelles and China to climate action and sustainable development.
Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, Ms Marie-May Jeremie, addressed guests on the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate challenges facing small island states.
A group photo of VIPs marked the formal segment of the evening, after which guests were invited to enjoy Chinese traditional cultural experiences and a buffet that reflected the richness of Chinese heritage and hospitality.
The reception also marked the launch in Seychelles of the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, as announced by Ambassador Lin. A series of cultural and community activities are planned throughout the year, including the China Day Bazaar and the illumination of the Victoria Clock Tower in Red, symbolising friendship, prosperity, and goodwill.
The evening concluded in a warm and celebratory atmosphere, with President Herminie’s presence underscoring the importance Seychelles attaches to its evolving longstanding friendship and strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China.