Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends,
It is my pleasure to celebrate with you the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China online.
Seventy-three years ago, the People’s Republic of China was founded amid eager aspirations of the Chinese people for an independent, democratic, peaceful, united, prosperous and industrialized new China.
Historic achievements have been made since then.
China’s GDP has increased from US$ 12.3 billion to 17.7 trillion; its per capita from less than USD 100 to over 12,000.
China has eradicated absolute poverty. As the most populous country accounting for one fifth of the world total, this is a historical accomplishment of humanity.
China is now the second largest economy in the world, and has attained the goal of fully building a moderately prosperous society.
Its success is nothing short of a miracle.
In recent years, facing with the pandemic, economic and geopolitical challenges, China has, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core, been staying focused on development.
China’s economy expanded by 8.1% in 2021. In the first half of 2022, it grew by 2.5%. Its foreign trade in goods increased by 9.4%. In the first eight months of the year, China’s FDI grew by over 16%. The majority of American and EU companies plan to increase their investment in China.
The fundamentals of China’s economy, characterized by strong resilience, enormous potential, ample room for policy adjustment and long-term sustainability, will remain sound.
We are clear-eyed that much remains to be done in China’s development; sober-minded about challenges ahead.
China is still a developing country.
Our central goal is to meet people’s growing expectation for a better life. China does not waver in reform and opening up, only deeper and wider.
In two weeks time, the 20th Communist Party of China National Congress, once in every five years, will be convened in Beijing. It is to be held at a critical time as China embarks on a new journey toward its second centenary goal of building a modern socialist country in all respects. The Congress will be a landmark.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year is a big year for China and the Netherlands.
It marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level between our two countries.
On May the 18th, the day of the anniversary, President Xi Jinping and King Willem-Alexander exchanged messages of congratulations, attaching great importance to developing bilateral relations.
Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Mark Rutte held 2 virtual meetings this year, discussing issues of mutual interest and ways to deepen bilateral cooperations.
This half the century has witnessed continuous growth in our cooperation.
Here are three features.
The first is the win-win cooperation.
In the past 50 years, our trade volume has grown nearly 1,700 times, from less than US$ 69 million in 1972 to over 116 billion in 2021. In the first seven months of this year, our bilateral trade surpasses US$ 74.5 billion, up by 20%, reaching a new high.
We are each other’s large trading partners and investment destinations.
The second is connectivity.
Though geographically far away from each other, we are closely connected by sea, air and land through many “ports”.
The port of Rotterdam is the first stop for nearly half of China’s deep-water freight routes to Europe.
Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest terminals in Europe for passenger and cargo transport to and from China.
There are now 6 regular trips of China-Europe Railway Express each week between us.
Moreover, China regards the Netherlands as the "gateway" for China-EU cooperation.
The third is cultural and people-to-people exchange.
Recently, the most famous Chinese classic novel, the Dream of the Red Chamber, was translated into Dutch and immediately became a bestseller.
“China Bamboo Garden” at Floriade Expo 2022 has attracted a lot of visitors.
In 2020, the two pandas living in Ouwehands Zoo gave birth to a baby panda Fan Xing.
There are about 10,000 Chinese students studying in the Netherlands.
Before the outbreak of the pandemic, there were a large number of Chinese tourists visiting the Netherlands. They will come back after the Covid.
While celebrating the progress, we are aware that, given the differences in our social systems, development stages, historical and cultural backgrounds, the two sides may not share the same views on some issues.
Yet I believe we have more common grounds than differences. We are ready and willing to enhance understanding and trust in the spirit of mutual respect and equality.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our world today is confronted with unprecedented challenges, which require unprecedented cooperation.
President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. These two Initiatives are China’s major contribution to addressing today’s peace and development deficit.
China is part of the solution.
Over the past decade, China is the largest contributor to world economic growth, contributing over 30% annually. China’s development will greatly boost the stability and recovery of the world economy. It will provide more market opportunities for other countries.
China has set the goal of peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.
China has been working hard to honor its climate change commitments. The carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP in 2021 plunged by over 50% from 2005. China has installed more hydro, wind, solar and biomass power than any other country .
China is for sustainable development, for peace not war; unity not division, equity not bullying, multilateralism not unilateralism.
China is a peace-loving country.
There is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and Europe.
For thousands of years, China has never done anything that harmed the interest of the Europeans.
We are partners, not rivals.
We firmly believe that we all share our fate in the same boat, and should build a community with a shared future for mankind.
I have high hopes for Sino-Dutch relations. Let’s join hands and push for more results in the open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation.
I wish China further development and prosperity!
Wish the bilateral relations between China and the Netherlands stronger momentum!
Wish you all happiness and good health!
Thank you.