Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

In just a few days, on October 1, we will celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Tomorrow, we will also celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, a day of family reunion and happiness in traditional Chinese culture. 

In such a festive atmosphere, this evening we are delighted to be joined by friends, both old and new, to celebrate the birthday of the People’s Republic of China. 

On behalf of my colleagues at the Mission, I wish to extend our warmest welcome to all the guests, and express our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your long-standing support for China’s development.

In the past 74 years since the founding of the People’s Republic, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have forged ahead as one. We have independently explored a development path suited to our national conditions, and scored remarkable development achievements.

Last October, the CPC successfully convened its 20th National Congress. The meeting has laid out the blueprint for China’s future development. China’s modernization has embarked on a new journey. And at every moment, encouraging changes are taking place on Chinese soil.

Today, we are seeing a dynamic China. Despite sluggish global economic performance, China’s economy has stayed on an upward trajectory. In a world full of uncertainties, this has provided the much-needed stability, investment opportunities, and market space. 

In the first half of this year, China’s GDP grew by 5.5% year on year, one of the best among major economies, thus continuing to serve as an engine of world economy. According to the forecast of international institution, for 2023, China’s economy will grow by 5.2%, and contribute one-third of global growth.

Today, we are seeing a green China. Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. This concept has been deeply rooted in people’s hearts. Across the country, from cities to villages, people are seeing bluer sky, more beautiful grassland, clearer water, and greener development. 

In the first half of this year, China’s installed capacity of renewable energy reached 1.322 billion kilowatts, for the first time in history exceeding that of coal power. More than half of the new energy vehicles on roads worldwide are now in China. We have provided 50% of wind power equipment and 80% of photovoltaic module equipment to the world, thus greatly reducing the cost of renewable energy utilization around the world.

Today, we are seeing a happy China. As President Xi said, the building of a moderately prosperous society, the pursuit of a strong nation, the Chinese dream, all these efforts are to realize people’s aspiration for a better life. 

China follows a people-centered development philosophy. We have brought about a historic solution to absolute poverty in the country. And with bold reforms and constant institutional building, we are making sustained efforts to make our people feel more fulfilled, secured, and happy. People of all ethnic groups, who are the true masters of the country, are living in harmony and together writing a new chapter in China’s human rights development.

Today, we are also seeing a more open China. China stays committed to the fundamental national policy of opening-up. We will continue to open our door even wider, on a larger scale, and at a higher level, to further integrate China’s development into the common development of the world.

The Belt and Road Initiative is the world’s largest platform for open cooperation contributed by China. More than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations are using this platform to conduct fruitful cooperation through greater complementarity.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the BRI. Next month, China will hold in Beijing the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. On this new starting point, we will continue to expand and extend this road for further openness and cooperation.

This year is also the 10th anniversary since President Xi Jinping proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for humankind. In recent years, President Xi has put forward the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. All these have further enriched the concept and practice of a community with a shared future for humankind. They have provided China’s solutions to creating a better future for all, and pointed the way forward for a world fraught with mounting challenges. 

Facing today’s challenges, it is more important and urgent for countries to work together with solidarity and mutual trust. As a major country, China has always fulfilled its responsibilities and missions, and is making joint efforts with all countries in this regard. 

We firmly uphold and practice true multilateralism, support the central role of the UN, actively and constructively participate in the preparations for the Summit of the Future, and stay committed to promoting common development, safeguarding common security, and building a common future. 

We advocate solidarity and cooperation, uphold the principle of extensive consultations, joint contributions, and shared benefits, and work hard with all parties for solidarity, mutual trust, and cooperation. 

We uphold international fairness and justice, oppose bloc politics, division, and confrontation, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and strive to make the global governance system more just and reasonable. 

Regarding issues on which there is broad consensus, China has always been a doer that makes real efforts. From implementing the SDGs to addressing climate change, our efforts and achievements are there for all to see.

Moving forward, China will continue to be a partner of all countries in pursuing common development, a partner of the international community in safeguarding world peace, and a partner of the United Nations in practicing true multilateralism. We will join hands with all parties in building a community with a shared future for humankind.

In conclusion, let me send my best wishes to my motherland in my mother tongue:

我代表中国常驻联合国代表团的全体同事，向伟大祖国送上美好祝愿：祝伟大祖国繁荣昌盛、国泰民安！祝全体同胞团圆美满、幸福安康！

Thank you!