The Chinese community in Vanuatu
Minorities in Vanuatu
The Chinese community in Vanuatu
Article written by Emma Guillain, student in terminale STMG
The Chinese community has been present in Vanuatu since the XXth century and is known to be one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vanuatu. It established its first Chinese embassy in 1982 while Vanuatu established an honorary consulate in China in 1999. The main reason as to why China was established in Vanuatu was for economic relations, relations in culture and education.
It is estimated that there are more than 2 000 local Chinese living in Vanuatu. In March 2017, China and Vanuatu celebrated the 35th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries and their people.
In 2003, the People’s Republic of China announced it intended to enhance its diplomatic ties with the Pacific Islands Forum, and increase the economic aid package it provided to that organisation.
In 2006, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) would increase its economic cooperation with Pacific Island States.
In terms of education, since 1995, China has provided quotas of scholarships for ni-Vanuatu students to study in China.
With so many Chinese living in Vanuatu, the Chinese Central Television has been broadcasting in Vanuatu since 2005, and Chinese Radio International has been available to ni-Vanuatu listeners since 2007. They have obtained many jobs such as shop owners, takeaway owners, educational, commercial and jobs in the government.