On February 11, in Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, the Chinese New Year was marked not only by red lanterns and reunion meals, but also by President David Adeang of Nauru returning to his ancestral village. Leading a delegation from the Pacific island nation, he was not just attending a ceremonial visit, he was coming home.
"I feel very welcome," Adeang said. "I'm not a stranger anymore. I feel like family."
The celebrations followed familiar traditions observed across China during the Spring Festival: writing Spring Festival couplets in black ink on red paper, paying homage to ancestors, making traditional rice cakes, sharing reunion meals, and giving red envelopes to family members. These customs may appear simple. Yet they represent how a new year begins with hope, and with family.
For President Adeang, the occasion carried deeply personal meaning. His maternal great-grandfather left this very village more than a hundred years ago, crossing the ocean in search of opportunity in the South Pacific. Over generations, the family built a life in Nauru. Now, history has traced a quiet circle.
"Bilateral relationships can be strengthened through people-to-people exchanges," Adeang noted. "And who better to promote that than the president of my country? That's me." He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for supporting the visit, calling it a personal request that made the homecoming possible.
Members of the Nauru delegation were also touched by the trip. Isabella Dageago, Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Cabinet Minister of Nauru, described it as fundamentally about family." Meeting them face to face is different," she said. "It's more meaningful."
Reagan Aliklik, Nauru's Minister for Fisheries, said the connection was visible. "We can feel he's part of this place."
Local relatives echoed that sentiment. Situ Yingling, who refers to Adeang as her cousin, said the entire village felt joy at his return."He came back from such a faraway place, like a wanderer returning home after a long journey," she said. "We celebrate the New Year together. This is a gathering with special meaning."
Sometimes, the journey home takes generations. But when it happens, it reminds us that distance may stretch across oceans, yet roots remain.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Cameraman: Guo Hongda, Li Fangwang
Video Editor: Guo Hongda
Photo & Cover: Guo Hongda
