This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has united and led the Chinese nation in the successful discovery of the Chinese path to modernization and the creation of two great miracles: rapid economic development and long-term social stability. China has seen a substantial increase in its comprehensive national strength, becoming a key player in the global economic landscape while achieving a historic leap toward a moderately prosperous society in all aspects for its people. China has successfully accomplished the challenging task of eliminating absolute poverty, contributing to the reduction of more than 70% of global poverty. Infrastructure construction has rapidly expanded, with significant advances in transportation and notable progress in scientific and technological development. Cultural enterprises have also flourished, significantly enhancing the country’s soft power. A series of green development initiatives have been successfully implemented, promoting a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. China’s contribution to global economic growth has exceeded 30% for several consecutive years.
We must maintain our commitment to dialogue and cooperation and set an example of healthy interactions among major countries. China-U.S. relations have weathered many storms, yet the prevailing public sentiment has remained unchanged. The meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden last November shaped the vision for San Francisco and stabilized bilateral relations, aligning with the shared expectations of the world. China and Europe have deepened dialogue and cooperation and reached consensus on jointly safeguarding multilateralism.
We are dedicated to building a new type of international relations and consolidating and expanding the global partnership network. President Xi Jinping emphasized, “Solidarity brings strength, and trust is more precious than gold.” China firmly opposes small circles that seek geopolitical ends and small blocs that undermine stability. Over the past 75 years, the number of countries establishing diplomatic relations with China has grown to 183. China has acted based on the principles of friendship, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, proving to be a trustworthy partner in jointly building an Asian home. China-ASEAN cooperation has made solid progress. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization continues to grow. China has also sought progress for all and has remained a staunch member of the Global South. We have worked for the historic expansion of the BRICS mechanism. This year’s Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was successfully held, and China-Africa cooperation is reaping new fruits year after year.
We strive to promote multilateralism and serve as a strong supporter of global governance. Since the founding of the PRC, China has firmly advocated for the international system centered on the United Nations and the basic norms of international relations upheld by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China believes that global governance is the way to overcome global challenges and has proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). More than 80 countries have joined the GDI Friends Group. The GSI has received support from over 100 countries and international and regional organizations and is incorporated into various bilateral and multilateral documents.
We focus on open development and serve as a powerful engine for global recovery. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has produced fruitful results and has become the most popular global public good and the largest platform for international cooperation. More than 150 countries and over 40 international organizations have jointly launched another golden decade of Belt and Road cooperation. The China International Import Expo, the China International Trade in Services Fair, the China International Consumer Products Expo, and the China International Supply Chain Expo have been held in succession. It has become a widely accepted consensus in the global business community that “the next China will still be China.” This year, China launched a series of significant measures to expand high-standard opening-up and promote high-quality development, including streamlining visa procedures and granting unilateral visa exemptions to citizens of several foreign countries, which will bring more benefits to investors and partners worldwide. It is proven that openness brings progress, and cooperation creates a larger pie.
We remain dedicated to justice and equity and act as a critical force for world peace. Over the past 75 years, China has always upheld justice and equity. We have resolutely opposed hegemonism and power politics and pushed back against the attempts of a handful of countries to dominate international affairs. China has actively explored and applied a Chinese approach to solving critical problems and has played a constructive role in defending international peace and security. We have worked hard for the cessation of hostilities and peace talks in the Ukraine crisis, made relentless efforts for the de-escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and played a constructive role in addressing regional issues such as Afghanistan and Myanmar. Defending justice by challenging hegemonic power certainly also means safeguarding China’s sovereignty, national dignity, and territorial integrity. In the face of external interference and provocations, we respond with determination and strength. In response to various acts of unjust repression, we have taken legitimate and reasonable countermeasures. The international community’s commitment to the “One China” principle has been further cemented, and the resolve of 1.4 billion Chinese people to promote national reunification remains solid as a rock.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland. Macau has been an important center of the Maritime Silk Road since ancient times. Over the past 25 years, with its unique geographical location and the significant advantage of “One Country, Two Systems,” as well as its close ties with Portuguese-speaking countries in terms of language, regulations, laws, and culture, Macau has played an irreplaceable role in China’s diplomatic endeavors and has achieved impressive results in its external relations. In the future, Macau will benefit from the country’s new development strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, and the Deep Cooperation Zone of Hengqin, and will continue to strengthen its role as a global center for tourism and leisure, a service platform for trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and a base for exchange and cooperation with Chinese culture as the ‘mainstream,’ coexisting with different cultures. I believe that with our joint efforts, China’s diplomacy with Chinese characteristics will continue to seek progress in the new era and bring a brighter future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress to the entire world!
