Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Zhou Limin at the Reception Celebrating the 74th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, the 4th Anniversary of Resumption of Diplomatic Relations between China and Kiribati, and the Assumption of Office of H.E. Ambassador ZHOU Limin
2023-10-06, 19:00, Chinese Embassy
Your Excellency President Taneti Maamau and First Lady Madam Teiraeng Maamau,
Hon. Ministers, MPs and your good spouses,
Church leaders,
Secretaries, Mayors, Unimwane and Unaine,
Colleagues from Diplomatic Corps,
Chinese community in Kiribati,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Kam na bane ni mauri!
Today, we gather here to celebrate not one, but three significant occasions: the 74th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, the 4th Anniversary of the Resumption of China-Kiribati Diplomatic Relations, and my assumption of office as the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Kiribati. Three is considered a lucky number in both Kiribati and Chinese cultures, highlighting the natural ties between our nations. It is an immense honour and privilege to address you on such auspicious occasions.
First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Taneti Maamau and the Government of Kiribati for your unwavering support for China-Kiribati Relations. I know today is a public holiday and everyone should be resting at home, your presence just underscores the importance of our bilateral relations and reflects the spirit of friendship that binds our two nations.
Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends,
As we celebrate the 74th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, we need to reflect on the remarkable journey of China's development over the decades and look forward to China's future development prospects.
—Over the past 74 years, China has taken a path from backwardness to prosperity.
Under the strong leadership of CPC, China has created two major miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability. In 1949, China's gross national product was only nearly US$12.3 billion, and its per capita GDP was only US$23. In 2022, China's GDP was over US$18 trillion, and per capita GDP reached US$11,560. China has built the world’s most complete and largest industrial system, the world's largest education system, social security system and healthcare system, which support the lives of 1.4 billion people. China’s success attributes to the development path that we chose. We called it the path of Chinese modernization, which is the modernization of a huge population, of peaceful development, and of harmony between humanity and nature.
This year, amid the tortuous global economic recovery, the Chinese economy has been on an upward trajectory generally, and high-quality development has been advancing solidly. In the first half of the year, our GDP grew 5.5%, outpacing most major economies. And 24,000 foreign-invested companies were newly established in China, a year-on-year increase of 35.7%. According to predictions from institutions such as the World Bank, China's economic growth rate can maintain 5% in the next five years, and per capita GDP will reach US$20,000 in 2030. Many institutions also predict that China will become the world's largest automobile exporter this year.
—Over the past 74 years, China has played an important role for world peace and development.
Over the past 40 years, China has not been involved in any foreign war. China is the second largest contributor to both the regular and peacekeeping budgets of the UN, and the largest peacekeeping troop contributor among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. In the past 10 years, China’s annual contribution to the world economy exceeded 30%. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that China's contribution to the world's economic growth this year will reach one-third, remaining an important engine of world economic growth. China contributed more than 70 percent of the world’s poverty alleviation, and has become a major trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions.
This year also marks the tenth anniversary of H.E. President Xi Jinping's proposal to build global community of shared future. Last week, China released a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions", which is an important document that systematically elaborates on the ideological connotations and practices of the concept of building a global community of shared future. China is ready to move forward hand in hand with the international community, including Kiribati, adhere to genuine multilateralism, jointly promote the strengthening and improvement of the global governance system, and promote the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, so as to jointly create a better future for humankind.
Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends,
After four years of development, China-Kiribati relations have reached a new starting point. We should also take this opportunity to summarize the development achievements of bilateral relations in the past four years and make plans for the future.
In the past four years, China-Kiribati relations have achieved fruitful results. From medical care and education to clean energy and infrastructure construction, the fruits of China-Kiribati cooperation can be seen everywhere. The tug and barge is now cruising between Tarawa and outer islands. Growing number of outer islands and Tarawa communities are lightened by Chinese solar street lights. Students from outer islands go to school in trucks donated by China and use Chinese desks and chairs in their classrooms. We highly appreciate the Kiribati government for always adhering to the one-China principle and providing firm support to China on many multilateral diplomatic occasions. We would also like to thank the Kiribati Government for granting visa-free treatment to Chinese citizens, creating more favorable conditions for Chinese tourists to explore the beauty of Kiribati. This year, many ministers, MPs, church leaders, entrepreneurs and students have traveled to China. Some of them told us the travel has really changed their views on China. The two countries have become a model for mutual understanding and mutual support between countries of different sizes.
Looking forward, an even brighter future lies in our cooperation and collaboration. There is still huge potential for cooperation between China and Kiribati in tourism, trade, transportation and many other fields. I am delighted to announce that, the landing craft donated by China will join the tug and barge to provide services for Kiribati people this month. More desks and chairs, street lights are on their way to Kiribati. The Tobwaan Te Rikirake Park and related seawall are expected to be completed and opened to the public in the near future, and the Buota Bridge and South Tarawa Transport Network System Project is expected to start next year. I am also delighted to learn that more and more Kiribati people are getting interested in learning Chinese language. China will host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation this month and the sixth Import Expo next month, all Kiribati friends are welcomed to visit China to explore more cooperation opportunities and bring more tangible benefits to both peoples
Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends,
As the new Chinese Ambassador to Kiribati, I shoulder the mission of promoting the friendship and cooperation between our two countries, which I will be fully committed to. I have already witnessed the strong bonds of friendship that exist between our nations, and I look forward to engaging with the people of Kiribati from all walks of life to deepen our cooperation further. By the way, at the suggestion of His Excellency the President, I am working hard to improve my dancing skills. It is hoped that when I return to China after completing my term as ambassador, I can introduce Kiribati music and dance to China.
In closing, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for joining us today in celebrating these occasions. Let us continue to build upon the foundation of friendship and cooperation that has brought us together, and build a brighter future for our two countries and the whole world.
Let me to conclude with the Kiribati traditional blessings te mauri, te raoi, ao te tabomoa. Thank you!
Now, I would like to propose a toast,
To the 74th birthday of the People’s Republic of China,
To the 4th anniversary of resumption of diplomatic relations between China-Kiribati,
To the friendship and cooperation between the peoples of China and Kiribati,
To the health and happiness of all the guests here and your loved ones,
Cheers!