27-Sep-18

The Honorable Matt Pottinger, Senior Director for Asian Affairs of the National Security Council, The Honorable Congressman Robert Pittenger, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening. Thank you very much for joining us this evening in celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

This festive occasion provides us with a good opportunity to walk through the 69 years of the People's Republic while at the same time embrace the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up.

Sixty-nine years ago, the Chinese people put an end to the century of wars and humiliation after decades of heroic struggles under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and founded the People's Republic. The 5,000-year-old ancient civilization thus embarked on a new and promising journey of development.

Over the past 69 years, China has overcome formidable challenges one after another. From the dark clouds of the Cold War to the two hot wars at its doorstep, from external embargo to containment, China has not only survived, but also thrived. With courage, diligence and perseverance, the Chinese people, who account for one-fifth of the world population, have risen above all the hardships, charged forward on the path of their own choice, pursued a better life, maintained independence, sovereignty and stability, and promoted national reunification.

Thanks to the hard work of the Chinese people since the founding of the People's Republic and in particular, since reform and opening-up 40 years ago, the once poverty-stricken country is now the world's second largest economy. China boasts of over U.S.$8,000 in per capita GDP today, compared to U.S.$200 in 1978. And it has lifted over 700 million people out of poverty, or more than 70% of the world's total in the same span of time.

Throughout China's transformation – from standing up to becoming more prosperous, and then stronger – there is one single theme that never changes: the aspiration of the Chinese people for a better life. That is the goal of China's development. That is also the strategic intention of China. The blueprint adopted at the 19th Party Congress in October last year for China's development in the new era is exactly for that purpose. We will stick to the people-centered development philosophy. We will focus on tackling the constraints of unbalanced and inadequate development to meet the people's ever-growing needs for a better life. We will give our people a greater and sustainable sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

China's reform and opening-up and its development in the past four decades have not only changed the outlook of China itself, but also contributed significantly to peace and development of the Asia-Pacific and the world as a whole. From California to Kolkata, from Alaska to Tasmania, the dividends of China's growth have reached every corner of the Pacific Ocean. The Asia-Pacific has been transformed from a battlefield of hot and cold wars to a dynamic market of unlimited cooperation. It has become one of the main engines of global economic growth. China has contributed more than 30% to the world economic growth. All these are universally recognized facts.

We fully recognize that China's development won't be possible without international peace and stability, and that a growing China should contribute more to mankind. The philosophy and interest of the Chinese nation dictates our firm adherence to the path of peaceful development. China will open its door even wider to the outside world to embrace and promote common development for mankind. China will promote more inclusive globalization that benefits all. And China will firmly safeguard international regime and order for free trade. China is committed to promoting a new model of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation. China will continue to work with other countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind. China never seeks hegemony. And China opposes any attempt by anyone to do so. Our position is open and aboveboard, clear and consistent.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Next year marks the 40th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. Over the past four decades, the two countries have witnessed dramatic changes across the world. And China-U.S. relations have also evolved profoundly. History has proven that cooperation benefits both countries while confrontation hurts both, and that the only right choice for us is cooperation.

The world today is undergoing unprecedented changes. China and the United States, permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the world's two largest economies, must make another historic choice on where they want this relationship to go. At stake are the interests of our workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, men and women in military services and all other sectors, especially the future and fate of the young generation of the two countries. The 1.7 billion people in China and the United States, and indeed the 7 billion people on this planet, are urging us to make the responsible choice.

China has already made its choice. We are committed to the principle of no-conflict, no-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation with the U.S. We are committed to enhancing mutual trust and cooperation. We are also committed to settling our differences in a constructive way. And we are committed to a sound, steady and growing China-U.S. relationship for the benefit of the people of both countries and the whole world. We call on and expect the U.S. side to make the same right choice.

Now, I would like to propose a toast,

To the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China,

To the friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and American peoples,

And to a brighter future of China-U.S. relations!

Cheers!