Vanuatu's Ambassador to China Nguk Yang Dennis Nai has expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for its timely humanitarian aid, which he said will play a crucial role in helping the Pacific Island nation rebuild and recover from the devastating earthquake that struck last month.
On Dec 17 last year, Vanuatu was hit by a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake which killed 14, injured more than 200, and severely damaged the country's urban infrastructures.
A Chinese cargo plane arrived in Vanuatu's capital Port Vila on Thursday, bringing much-needed relief supplies, including tents, folding beds, water purification systems, non-perishable instant food, and essential medical equipment.
In an interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), ambassador Nai extended his thanks to China for its support.
"We are very glad to have a friend like China. It was the first one to respond. On the very next day, they have donated to my country 10,000 U.S. dollars. Three days later, the Red Cross (Society of China) gave 100,000 U.S. dollars to our Red Cross. And also two days later, the Chinese government has helped us with another million dollars in USD. On top of that, there was a plane that arrived yesterday (Jan. 1) from Shenzhen. It comes with 35 tons of aid and very importantly, there are four engineers to help us evaluate the worthiness of the building. On top of that, we have medical supplies (from China), abundant medical supplies that in normal times is good for one year. So, this come in very needy times, it is a great help from the Chinese government and not only from government to government, even from people to people. There were lots of people that donated money to help us out through this disaster. Not only from companies, but even from the private sector too," he said.
In addition to the current disaster relief, Nai also said Vanuatu looks forward to deepening cooperation with China in disaster prevention and mitigation, particularly against the backdrop of intensifying climate change.
"Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific. Because of climate change, we have lots of challenges every year, earthquakes, typhoons, during the cyclone seasons, but whenever there are things like these, China is always there for us. This modern-day technology from China is very helpful to the people of the Pacific islands. It's not only helpful to Vanuatu, but the whole Pacific," he said.
Vanuatu ambassador hails China's earthquake relief efforts
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
