On May 16, Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, hosted a grand float parade to celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. Organized by the National Capital District (NCD) Government, this large-scale event not only showcased the vibrant and diverse local cultures of PNG but also became a grand occasion for international cultural exchange.
Of particular note were three Chinese-themed floats, which made a stunning debut under the leadership and meticulous organization of the China–Papua New Guinea Friendship Association (CPNGFA). For the first time, Chinese cultural elements were presented on a national stage in PNG in such a large-scale, systematic, and professional manner—becoming one of the biggest highlights of the entire celebration.
The three major Chinese floats were the result of a twelve-day intensive effort led by the Friendship Association, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. As a long-established local Chinese community organization, CPNGFA took full responsibility for the design, production, and on-the-ground implementation of the floats. By coordinating resources from both China and Papua New Guinea, the Association strove to blend the most iconic elements of Chinese culture with distinctive local characteristics. This marked the first time in PNG’s history that a national independence celebration featured such a large, professional international float presentation. It added significant international flair to the event and enhanced PNG’s image on the global stage.
The three Chinese-themed floats were rich in content and symbolism:
- The first float, featuring a giant panda and a celestial dragon as the main visual elements, symbolized peace, friendship, and cultural heritage, highlighting the profound bond between China and PNG.
- The second float, centered around ten giant drums, represented the shared heartbeat and spiritual connection of the peoples of both nations, conveying themes of development and unity.
- The third float showcased eight lion dancers in a forward stride, symbolizing courage, blessings, and festivity, injecting a strong celebratory atmosphere into the parade.
Many local residents said it was their first time experiencing the charm and vitality of Chinese culture up close and were deeply impressed by the friendship between China and PNG.
Alongside the floats, the CHINA-PNG Lion Dance Troupe, organized by the Friendship Association, also participated in the parade. Most of the lion dancers were young people from PNG who have received long-term training in traditional Chinese culture with the Association’s support. Their professional performance won widespread admiration.
The success of the float parade would not have been possible without the dedication and creativity of the float production team. Led by CPNGFA President Lin Huanong and Vice President Liu Juncai, the float design team completed the entire design, fabrication, and assembly process within a tight schedule, ensuring the high-quality presentation of the floats.
In addition, Vice President Liu Juncai and Executive Vice President Lin Hua’an led a 40-member delegation of committee members and Association members, who took part in on-site coordination and the parade itself. Their efforts ensured the smooth appearance of every float and fully demonstrated the organizational strength, execution capacity, and cohesion of Chinese community groups overseas.
Vice President Liu Juncai remarked that participating in PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration was another important achievement in the Friendship Association’s ongoing efforts to promote cultural exchange between China and Papua New Guinea. As a legally registered and deeply rooted organization in PNG, the Association has always embraced the mission of “planting the roots of Chinese culture in PNG.” Through public service, cultural events, and community interaction, the Association has attracted more and more PNG youth to understand and engage with Chinese culture, gradually building cultural consensus and people-to-people bonds between the two countries.
More importantly, these three floats not only represented China’s image but also embodied the deep integration and contributions of the Friendship Association to PNG society. They showcased the charm of Chinese culture while enhancing the international standards of PNG’s national celebrations through a professional and high-quality presentation—living proof of the Association’s commitment to being “rooted in PNG, serving PNG.”
Looking ahead, the China–Papua New Guinea Friendship Association will continue to serve as a “bridge” and “link,” expanding exchange and cooperation in various fields between the two countries. The Association aims to help PNG connect more effectively with the world, while also integrating more Chinese cultural elements into local society to support national development and jointly write a new chapter in Sino-PNG friendship.
