On September 26, 2020, the Chinese communities in Mauritius held "Salon de Thé" in celebration of the National Day of the People's Republic of China and the Mid-Autumn Festival at Hua Lien club. Over 150 people including Mauritian Vice President Eddy Boissezon, Ambassador Sun Gongyi and his spouse, Opposition Leader Mr. Arvin Boolell, former Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth and his spouse, MP YeungJohn Michael Tzoun Sao, MP Foo Eileen Karen Lee Chin, former Vice President Monique Ohsan Bellepeau, President of the United Chinese Associations Eric Lim and representatives of the Chinese communities in Mauritius were present at the Salon.

On behalf of the Mauritian government, Vice President Eddy Boissezon conveyed his greetings to the Chinese government and people, lauding the achievements of the People's Republic of China in 71 years since its founding, and especially in 40 years since its reform and opening up. He underscored that China and Mauritius have always been close friends and partners. In recent years, the relations between the two countries have continued to develop, with the landmark events such as Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Mauritius in 2018, Mauritian Prime Minister Jugnauth's visit to China to attend the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and the signing of Free Trade Agreement between China and Mauritius further deepening bilateral relations. Mauritius expresses gratitude towards China for assistance and support in its economic and social development and wishes to continue enhancing the friendship between the two countries and promoting practical cooperation in various fields.

For his part, Ambassador Sun Gongyi highlighted in his speech that this year is an extraordinary year which marks the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Confronted with the sudden plague of Covid-19 pandemic, the Chinese government has given first priority to life and people, having adopted the most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough policies and measures to effectively curb the spread of the virus. China has also done its utmost to provide assistance to the international community in fighting the pandemic, demonstrating China's sincere aspirations to promote the building of a human health community through practical actions. At the outset of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Mauritian government also responded quickly to take strict measures to fight the epidemic. With arduous efforts, China and Mauritius have taken the lead in effectively controlling the pandemic, resuming economic activities and restoring people's lives gradually back to normal.

Ambassador Sun Gongyi underscored that the people of China and Mauritius stayed in the same boat and helped each other through the crisis, writing a touching chapter of fighting the virus together with boundless love. Sino-Mauritian cooperation in fighting the virus showcases once again that virus knows no borders and that no country can be exempted from global public health security. Solidarity and cooperation are the most powerful weapons to defeat the virus. China upholds the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and puts forward the "One Belt One Road" initiative in conformity with the historical trend as well as the tendency of world development, further displaying its value and appeal during this epidemic crisis.

Ambassador Sun Gongyi highly commended the important role played by the Chinese communities in the fight against the pandemic, hoping that the Chinese communities in Mauritius could seize the opportunities of the development and cooperation between China and Mauritius to make more contributions to the construction of Mauritius as well as the development of friendly relations between the two countries.

President Eric Lim stated in his speech that enormous strides have been made in all fields since the founding of New China. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the Chinese government has taken decisive measures and the Chinese people has exercised a high degree of self-discipline, thus finally contained the spread of the epidemic successfully in a short period of time. Although oceans apart, the Chinese communities in Mauritius have always clung to their home country, sincerely wishing China great prosperity.

Afterwards, all the guests raised their glasses and drank a toast to the best wishes of the Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival together.

A short video named "Amazing China" was played, introducing China's achievements in fighting the virus as well as Sino-Mauritian cooperation in fighting the pandemic. Many Mauritian artists sang Chinese songs and performed Chinese folk dances, winning thunderous applause from the audience. Joyous festive atmosphere had permeated the auditorium all along the Salon.