Hon. Congresswoman Judy Chu,

Hon. Congressman Mark Takano,

Distinguished guests, elected officials,

Chinese community leaders, representatives of Chinese enterprises and students,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. Welcome to tonight's reception. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. A special welcome to our distinguished guests coming to this event from the outside states.

70 years ago, Chairman MAO Zedong solemnly proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China on Tiananmen Rostrum. The Chinese nation, after enduring so many hardships, has since then stood up and embarked on the great journey for its pursuit of a stronger and more prosperous country, of national rejuvenation and of its people's happiness.

The founding of the People's Republic of China is the greatest event in the history of China. It opened a new era and fundamentally changed the direction of the history of China's development. It produced a profound impact on the development of world history.

Over the past seven decades, upholding its original aspiration and mission of pursuing happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, committed itself to a people-centered approach and forging ahead with the reform and opening up, the Chinese Communist Party has united the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in a tireless struggle, which opened up the road of socialism with Chinese characteristics that fits China's reality, and accomplished the most profound and the greatest social transformation ever occurred in the country's history.

Over the past seven decades, China has achieved remarkable progress with profound changes taking place in the country. The once impoverished China is now the world's second largest economy. Its social productivity and overall national strength has taken a historical stride. Hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of poverty. The first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects is about to be realized and the new journey of fully building a modern socialist China has already been embarked on.

Over the past seven decades, with the rise of China's international standing, China is moving closer to center of global stage. China is playing a great role in and making important contribution to world peace and development of human society. China's development has changed the world political landscape and opened up brighter prospects for human society, bringing unprecedented opportunities to all countries.

Today, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. The Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation: it has stood up, grown rich, and is becoming strong; it has come to embrace the brilliant prospects of rejuvenation. The Chinese nation, with an entirely new posture, now stands tall and firm in the East.

We take great pride of what our great nation has achieved, and have full confidence in its great rejuvenation. Although there are still many risks and challenges on our way ahead, our commitment to national rejuvenation remains firm. Our resolve to safeguard the nation's sovereignty, unity and dignity as well as development rights remains firm. The reunification across Taiwan Strait, being the historic mission of the Chinese nation, is an irresistible tide of history. Our resolve to oppose any separatist attempt for "Taiwan independence" in any form and to realize reunification across Taiwan Strait remains firm. Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong. Any attempt to create chaos in Hong Kong, shake the foundation of "one country, two systems" or even separate Hong Kong from China will have no way to prevail. Our resolve to implement "one country, two systems" and to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability remains firm. The development of China is unstoppable, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is an inexorable trend of history.

Ladies and gentlemen,

China-US relations are among the most important bilateral relations in the world. Sound and stable China-US relations are in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples and the broad-based expectations of the international community. At the moment, China-US relationship is at a critical juncture. To what direction the relationship is heading concerns many people in the world. Whether our two sides can handle the relationship properly will have a major impact on our two peoples and, to a large extent, determine the future of the world. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US. History of the relationship proves that China and the US both benefit from cooperation and lose from confrontation. The two countries share more common interests than differences. Cooperation for mutual-benefits is the only choice. We shall not let differences and disputes define China-US relationship, nor shall we let prejudice and misjudgment dictate its future. We should work together to advance China-US relationship featuring coordination, cooperation and stability, maintain its right direction, properly manage the differences on the basis of mutual respect and expand cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit.

China and California enjoy close economic and trade ties. The bilateral people to people exchanges remain extensive and in-depth. California attracts the biggest amount of Chinese investment, the largest number of Chinese students and tourists among all the US states. Potentials of future cooperation remain enormous. We should work together to preserve the good outcome of China-US sub-national exchange and cooperation so as to better benefit our peoples.

China will firmly follow the path of peaceful development, and is committed to working with the international society to build a community with a shared future for mankind, contributing our wisdom, approach and strength to world peace and development. China will continue to develop itself through deepening of reform and opening wider to outside world, so as to meet people's aspirations to live a better life, and share the gains of its development with all other countries.

Ladies and gentlemen,

What China has achieved is the result of the unremitting efforts of all Chinese people, which embodies the efforts and contributions of overseas Chinese. For a long time, Chinese community members, company staff and students, who live, work and study in the US, have given great care and support to China's development by participating in its nation building, defending its sovereignty, national unity and dignity and supporting the great cause of the country's reunification. Having played an active part in promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and the US, you have built a bridge of communication and friendship between Chinese and American peoples. I would like to take this opportunity to give my regards and heartfelt thanks to you all.

I also wish to thank our friends from the media. You have been working hard to report news, cover stories about China and China-US friendship, which has contributed to better understanding between our two peoples.

As we move forward, we need your continuous care and support. The Chinese Consulate will work together with you to further expand China-US sub-national exchange and cooperation. We will adhere to the notion of "diplomacy for the people" and enhance communication and contact with our compatriots so as to provide more assistance and better service to the community.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the common aspiration of all Chinese people home and abroad. A good China-US relationship is also the common aspiration of oversea Chinese in the US. Let us stay united and work together for an even brighter future of our nation and for a sound and steady development of China-US relations.

Now, I would like to propose a toast,

To the prosperity of China, and happiness of Chinese people,

To the friendship between the Chinese and American peoples,

To the good health of all our distinguished guests,

Cheers!