Distinguished guests,
Good evening.
It is my great pleasure to be with you all to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. We have every reason to cherish and be proud of a face-to-face celebration as such after the 3-year pandemic. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have been working hard and forging ahead with determination, creating two miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability. Over the past decade of the new era, we have made historic achievements and witnessed historic changes in the cause of the Party and the nation. Chinese people are walking on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects, and making unremitting efforts to realize the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, successfully convened in October 2022, outlined a comprehensive blueprint for China’s future development, providing new enlightenment and impetus to world peace and development, and advancement of human civilization through a Chinese path to modernization. This year has witnessed resumption of normal operations of China’s national economy and society, with an overall steady rebound of the economy. China’s GDP grew 5.5 percent for the first half of the year, outpacing other major economies; major international institutions raised China’s growth forecast accordingly. China’s green development has gained new momentum, as its renewable-energy generation capacity has historically overtaken its coal-power capacity. China’s consumption continues to rebound, with over 500 million people going to the movies this summer. The utilized FDI in China remains stable, with some 24,000 new foreign enterprises founded in the first half of the year, up by 35.7 percent. With unique ultra-large market, complete industrial system and abundant workforce, the fundamentals sustaining China’s long-term growth remain unchanged. China’s continued development will further contribute to the prosperity and stability of the world.
As the two largest economies, China and the U.S. enjoy economic complementarity and deeply intertwined interests. Over 70,000 American companies are investing and operating in China, of which nearly 90 percent are earning profits. A lot of CEOs from U.S. top business have visited China recently, casting a vote of confidence in China’s economy and market prospects. China will only open up wider to the world. China’s middle-income group is going to exceed 800 million within the next 15 years, which means an expanding market and increasing cooperation opportunities. China will adhere to a high level of opening up and inject energy and impetus into world economic growth with its own stability and continuity. All countries are most welcome to share the new opportunities brought by China’s new development.
China-U.S. relations are the most important bilateral relations in the world. President Xi Jinping pointed out that the earth is big enough for China and the US to develop respectively and prosper together. The three principles proposed by President Xi, namely mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, represent the right way for the two countries to get along with each other in the new era. Our two countries have had a series of high-level communication, which were candid, in-depth and constructive, and jointly sent out a signal of enhancing dialogue and cooperation to stabilize the bilateral relationship. China and the U.S. have every reason to manage the bilateral relations properly so as to make the two peoples feel assured and set the world at ease. The one-China principle has long been a fundamental norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus among the international community. It is the political foundation for China to establish and develop diplomatic relations with other countries, including the US. Just like any other nations, China has the legitimate right to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests, and firmly advance the just cause of national reunification.
President Xi Jinping stressed that the hope and foundation of the China-U.S. relationship lie in the people, and its future lies in the youths. President Xi replied to letters from American friends in all walks of life including Mr. Jeffrey Greene, Chairman of Sino-US Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Tiger veterans Harry Moyer and Mel McMullen, encouraging the two peoples to strengthen exchanges, enhance understanding and expand cooperation. My colleagues and I shoulder the responsibility of deepening China-U.S. sub-national exchanges and cooperation, and enhancing friendship between our two peoples. We are committed to promoting new outcomes of bilateral pragmatic cooperation. This year, the first China-California Business Forum after the pandemic was held successfully in Los Angeles. Delegations from Shanghai, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Hainan and other Chinese provinces and cities visited California and Hawaii. The “2023 China Hainan Night” event, promoting Hainan Free Trade Port, has aroused huge interest among Hawaiian people about China and Hainan. The Consulate General recently hosted a reception for Flying Tiger veterans to commemorate the history of China-U.S. fighting side by side during the anti-facist war and carry forward the spirit of China-U.S. cooperation and friendship. My colleagues went to Arizona and Hawaii to deliver consular and visa services and facilitate personnel exchanges. Representatives from American cities are most welcome to attend the China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference, which will soon be held in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province; the Consulate General is ready and willing to offer assistance to all participants.
All these outcomes will not be possible without the support and dedication of friends from all walks of life in the consular district. Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to those who have long been caring for and supporting the development of China-U.S. relations and sub-national exchanges and cooperation. I hope you could continue your support and contribute more wisdom and strength to promoting our friendship. The Consulate General is ready to work with friends in our consular district, guided by the consensus between our two heads of state at Bali, to continuously strengthen communication and exchange, enhance understanding and trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and bring the China-U.S. relationship back to the right track of sound and steady development. Welcome all friends to visit China and explore a true and multi-dimensional China.
In a few days, the Mid-Autumn Festival will also arrive. This is a traditional Chinese festival for family reunion and harmony.
At this moment of double festivity and happiness, please allow me to propose a toast,
To the prosperity of our two great nations and the well-being of our two peoples,
To the sound and steady development of China-U.S. relations, benefiting our two peoples and the whole world!
To the happiness and health of all the guests and your families!
Cheers!
