At the Keqiutou Site Museum, Hiria Ottino (first from the right) pictured with guests from the Cook Islands

The Keqiutou Site Museum in Pingtan recently welcomed a distinguished guest, Hiria Ottino, chairman of the Pacific-China Friendship Association, who captivated the audience with his fluent Mandarin. As a descendant of the Austronesian people, Ottino played a central role in the museum's opening, affirming, "Pingtan is the cradle from which our ancestors embarked on their journey to the South Pacific."

The monument erected at the Keqiutou Site by Hiria Ottino and other Austronesian descendants during their roots-seeking journey to Pingtan in 2010

In 2010, Ottino undertook an epic voyage, navigating 16,000 nautical miles across 116 days with a crew of five Austronesian descendants in a traditional canoe to trace their roots back to Fujian, China. Upon reaching Pingtan, they planted a banyan tree as a symbol of their longing for home and erected a monument in honor of their ancestors. This journey underscored the historical possibility of seafaring from China to the South Pacific islands.

Returning to Pingtan after 14 years, Ottino was filled with emotion, remarking on the area's transformation, "It's hard to believe the grandeur of the museum that Pingtan has established. It stands as a vital link between the Austronesian peoples and a shared bond we cherish." He also observed the significant advancements in infrastructure and development, "My first visit to Pingtan required a ferry ride; now, with bridges, luxurious hotels, and vibrant streets, the place has undergone remarkable changes that command admiration."

During his visit, Ottino paid homage at the monument they had set up during their quest to find their roots. Speaking on the museum's role in cultural diplomacy, he stated, "With the Keqiutou Site Museum as our starting point, we will enhance and deepen cultural exchanges between China and the small islands of the Pacific and Oceania, fostering greater cooperation, as encapsulated by the museum's opening theme, 'Trace the Origin, Win Together.' The museum will become a unique destination for the Austronesian diaspora to explore their heritage, drawing descendants from across the globe to reconnect with their roots."

The museum's "Austronesian Navigation and Culture" exhibition hall displays a model of the "Freedom" outrigger canoe used by Ottino and his team on their journey. "We constructed this vessel based on a 19th-century Austronesian canoe design, naming it 'Freedom' to embody our pursuit of liberty and aspirations. I left my diplomatic career to pursue my family's origins in Fujian," Ottino reflected on his voyage to trace his ancestral roots.