Dili, 18 February 2026 (Média Democracia) – Chinese community in Timor-Leste gathered at the Chinese Temple to hold acultural ceremony (Sangbaja) to mark thecelebration of Chinese New Year. After the ritual, community leaders went to extend their greetings to the Chinese Ambassador in Timor-Leste.
According to the President of the Chinese Comercial Association of East Timor (ACCCTO) Ketleen Gonçalves, the Chinese community has around 20 thousandpeople in Timor-Leste, and together with Chinese communities around the world, whichh totals over 20 million, they celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Joy of the Spiring Festival.
“We all know that the Chinese community is united in celebrating the Chinese New Year, bringing the joy of the Spring Festival to our country, and also enganging in economik, comecial, and cultural corporation.” Said ACCCTO President Katleen Conçalves at the Chinese Temple
ACCCTO President added, in Timor-Leste, the Chinese community considers this day very special day, but so far it hasen’t been an official public holiday for the Chinese community, even though in Timor-Leste, religious communities like the islamic community already have two public holidays.
In another part, Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuady Lay also marked his precense at the celebration. He extended his greetings to the ambassador and the Chinese community who gathered there to celebrate their big day.
“I ask God to help us all. Pope Francis also speaks about human fraternity, saying that on any given day we can celebrate together as one people. So today I’m here to exted my greetings to the ambassador, his team, and the Chinese community in Timor-Leste.” Said the Vice Prime Minister
The Vice Prime Minister added, the celebration of Chinese New Year in Timor-Leste shows religious tolerance, cultural diversity, and strong friendship relations between the people of Timor-Leste and China.
In the same venue, Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Wahng Wenli, said that with the celebration of Chinese New Year, they want to strengthen China’s coorporation with Timor-Leste in the future.
“On Behalf of Chinese community in Timor-Leste, I extend my best wishes in the Chinese New Year, hoping this celebration brings peace and stabbility to the Chinese community in Timor-Leste, contributing to the development process in Timor-Leste.” Said Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Wahng Wenli.
The Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste also urged Chinese Citizens in Timor-Leste to strengthen their culture and identtity and promotr peace in Timor-Leste.
Reporting : Intern Marito
Photo : Intern Marito