Wearing Many Hats

ByAlexandra Leyton Espinoza (Sweden) November 7, 2013
Sesilia Monalisa Latu, First Secretary and spouse of Siamelie Latu, Tongan Ambassador to China [Women of China English Monthly/Zhang Jiamin]

Sesilia Monalisa Latu, First Secretary and spouse of Siamelie Latu, Tongan Ambassador to China, is eager to continue strengthening diplomatic ties between Tonga and China. "In order for China to see us we have to be upfront because of our size," she says.

The Kingdom of Tonga, an archipelago of 170 islands with a combined surface area of roughly 748 square kilometers, is a sovereign state situated in the South Pacific Ocean. Mrs. Latu says very few people know about her country.

"We are one of the smallest countries in the world, but our history is rich. We are the South Pacific's only existing monarchy. Even though we have been exposed to colonial forces, Tonga has never lost indigenous governance. This is very unique for Tonga, and it gives Tongans much pride, as well as confidence, in the monarchical system," says Mrs. Latu. "But, as a small country, we have to be upfront and participate actively in the activities the Chinese Government hosts. It is one of the ways that China and the Chinese people are going to notice us."

Mrs. Latu was unsure of what to expect when she arrived in Beijing almost three years ago.

"When I taught the topic China in the 1920s - 1945 back in Tonga, it was about the establishment of the People's Republic of China, of Chairman Mao Zedong, of the communal way of living in an agricultural society which is similar in many ways to my country and of course the activities that followed in the 1950s and 1960s. That impression was still very alive in my viewpoint of China when I was informed that my family had to move to China. It was a mixed fear of how it was going to be. My husband had been to China previously, so out of curiosity I asked him questions, such as 'What are we going to eat for breakfast?' I hope Chinese readers don't take this as an insult, but I was truly ignorant," says Mrs. Latu.

"My first six months here were pretty exciting. I studied the Chinese language and writing, and (I studied) about China's rich culture and history. The Chinese alphabet is so different from anything I had ever learned before, so it was both challenging and exciting."

Given her responsibilities, as the Ambassador's wife and as her country's First Secretary at the Embassy, Mrs. Latu is always on the move. She deals with the Embassy's daily operations, and she helps organize and hosts the Embassy's functions. In addition, she attends functions on behalf of Tonga, she takes care of her family, and she is a participating member of the Commonwealth Society of Beijing and SHOM which is the group for Spouses of Ambassadors.

"My Chinese colleagues and friends always say to me, 'Madame, you are always crazy busy.' But I enjoy it. It was the same with my life back in Tonga where I was a consultant to the Ministry of Education in reviewing the National Curriculum from Pre school to High School level," Mrs. Latu says.

There are various similarities between the Chinese and Tongan people, such as being humble and friendly, she adds. "I am also aware that this (friendliness that we enjoy) has to do with our status in China," she says.

"Women receive a lot of respect from society, but we need to earn it as well. More women than men have a doctorate in Tonga. Our Minister of Education is a woman who holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education, and about four women have been Members of Parliament," Mrs. Latu says.

China and Tonga established diplomatic relations 15 years ago, she adds. "Potential investors are moving in to Tonga from all around China. An increasing number of Chinese people live in Tonga … (That wouldn't) be possible without the initiative of our former king, His Majesty Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. He … initially reaffirmed Tonga's adherence to the 'One-China policy,'" Mrs. Latu says.

"The former king's endeavors have been followed by his daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita, who (has bee working to) strengthen those ties. She is also President of the Tonga-China Friendship Association … we find it very helpful to have the support from the royal family."

Introducing traditional Chinese medicine to Tonga is one of Mrs. Latu's objectives. In fact, she was a speaker during the first Beijing Annual Seminar on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Nursing Care in 2013.

"I took our First Lady, to a Guang'anmen hospital in Beijing for a medical check up. We don't have this practice in Tonga, so we have a long way to go in this area. I am glad China is the model from which to learn," Mrs. Latu says.

"The highlights … in China have been making friends with the Chinese people. The local (employees) at our embassy are not only colleagues, but also friends. The Chinese Government takes really good care of the Ambassadors and their spouses living here. They help us understand Chinese culture, arrange trips and hold cultural activities.

"We have learned a lot through such activities, and such things would have been hard for us to discover on our own. Chinese people are hardworking and determined. They know what they want to achieve in life, and they move forward toward (their goals). Tongans always think twice before they do things. I believe we Tongans could learn from Chinese," Mrs. Latu says.

(Source: Women of China English Monthly November 2013 Issue)

32.3K

Please understand that womenofchina.cn,a non-profit, information-communication website, cannot reach every writer before using articles and images. For copyright issues, please contact us by emailing: website@womenofchina.cn. The articles published and opinions expressed on this website represent the opinions of writers and are not necessarily shared by womenofchina.cn.


Comments

Home