Address by Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu at National Day Reception

2018-10-01 00:00  Print

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for joining us in celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Sixty-nine years ago today, the People’s Republic of China was founded and the Chinese nation rose to her feet. Since then, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the joint efforts of all Chinese, China has experienced fundamental changes with the people enjoying better lives. This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up. Over the past four decades, China’s economy has grown by 9.5% on average annually. The per capita disposable income has increased by more than 100 times. Seven hundred million people have been lifted out of poverty, accounting for over 70% of the global total in the same period. China has built some 25,000 kilometers of high-speed railway, two thirds of the world’s total. With their intelligence and hard work, the Chinese people have created a miracle of human development. They are living with a strong sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.

Reform and opening-up has not only benefited China, but also brought tremendous development opportunities to the world. Over the past four decades, China’s trade volume has registered an average annual growth of 14.5%. In recent years, China has contributed more than 30% to global growth. In November this year, China will host the first International Import Expo in Shanghai. This will be another step by China to further open its market.

In the first six months of this year, China’s economy expanded by 6.8%, keeping medium-high growth for 12 consecutive quarters. We are confident that our economy will maintain a positive momentum and achieve quality growth. We will do more to build an advanced economic system, and create more trade opportunities and an even better investment environment for other countries. China will open still wider to the world.

The Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping is a public good that China offers the world. It has become the biggest platform for international cooperation. By September 2018, more than 130 countries and international organizations have signed cooperation agreements with China. Next year, we will welcome all the parties back to China for the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. Also unseen before are the problems and challenges we are faced with. The international situation is filled with uncertainties and destabilizing factors. In the just concluded general debate of UNGA, we heard strong voices for multilateralism, peace and development.

China is firmly committed to multilateralism. Facing complex situation and severe challenges, China will keep to its commitment to multilateralism. We will continue to uphold the international system with the UN at its core, support the UN in strengthening its authority and role, and work to improve global governance through consultation with all parties. As a permanent member of the Security Council and a major responsible country, China will remain actively engaged in seeking political settlement of regional and international hotspot issues, support and participate in UN peacekeeping operations, and play a positive and constructive role in maintaining world peace and stability.

China is willing to share with other countries the benefits of its development. We will work to contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strengthen partnerships for development, and advance South-South and North-South cooperation to add new impetus to global development. China is committed to the path of peaceful development. We will make joint efforts with other countries to promote win-win cooperation, uphold international rules and order, support free trade system, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.