Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Huang Xilian at the On-line Reception in Celebration of the 72nd Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China
2021-09-28 09:25

 

 

Honorable Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Good afternoon!

It gives me great pleasure to have you all online to celebrate the 72nd Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. At the outset, I wish to, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, extend my warm welcome and sincere greetings to all the distinguished guests and friends who have shown care and support for China's development and China-Philippines relations.

Over the past 72 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and deriving from the unremitting efforts of the Chinese people, tremendous changes have taken place in the country. With courageous and relentless exploration, we have successfully piloted the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and are now embarking on a new journey toward fully building a modern socialist country. With perseverant and strenuous efforts, we have made great stride in China's national development, making it a major driver for global economic growth. Cherishing friendship and lasting peace, we have forged ahead along the path of peaceful development and made positive contribution to building a community with a shared future for mankind and advancing the noble cause of peace and development.

The year 2021 is of historic significance to China's national rejuvenation. We have celebrated the centenary of the CPC. Since the very day of its founding, it has become the aspiration and mission for the CPC to seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. Over the past year, in the face of profound global changes and a pandemic unseen in a century, the CPC has led the Chinese people in standing firmly on the right side of history and the progressive side of mankind.

China has upheld the people-centered philosophy of development. While the final 98.99 million impoverished rural residents all lifted out of poverty, absolute poverty across the country has been eliminated and the building of a society with moderate prosperity in all aspects completed. With a view to realizing people's aspirations for a better life, China has grounded its efforts in the new stage of development, applied the new development philosophy, fostered a new pattern of development, and promoted high-quality development. During the first half of 2021, China's GDP increased by 12.7 percent and per capita disposable income 12.6 percent from the same period last year in nominal terms. The Chinese people have been enjoying an enhanced sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.

China has promoted global solidarity in the fight against COVID-19. Faced with the surging pandemic, China has been working with the international community to fight against the virus. As of late July 2021, China has offered more than 300 billion face masks, 3.7 billion PPEs and 4.8 billion testing kits to over 200 countries. China has also provided more than 990 million doses vaccines to fellow developing countries in need, the largest sum in the world. In the meantime, acting on the principles of science, openness and transparency, China attaches significance to international scientific cooperation on origins tracing and firmly opposes attempts to politicize this issue.

China has remained committed to promoting international fairness and justice. By pursuing openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and opposing seclusion, exclusion and zero-sum game, China has taken the lead in practicing true multilateralism. Resolutely upholding the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, China has actively advanced the global governance. Upholding non-interference in internal affairs as a basic norm governing international relations, China maintains that regional disputes should be addressed through dialogue and consultation, and plays a constructive role in settling such disputes.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Last August, President Xi Jinping and President Duterte had a constructive phone conversation, charting the way forward for China-Philippines relations. We are glad to see that, under the guidance of our two leaders, cooperation in various fields between the two countries has been further deepened, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Robust anti-epidemic cooperation has been carried on. Last year, at the height of China's battle against COVID-19, the Philippine government and people from all walks of life provided valued support to China. China has also extended every help and support to the Philippines by promptly providing well-needed medical supplies. China was the first country to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines, and has prioritized vaccine export to the country. To date, the total number of Chinese vaccine delivered to the Philippines reached more than 30 million doses. Meanwhile, China and the Philippines have joined hands to safeguard solidarity and cooperation in promoting science-based origin tracing instead of politicizing this issue.

Practical cooperation has made remarkable progress. The synergies between the Belt and Road initiative and the "Build, Build, Build" program have been continuously deepened. Government-to-Government projects have witnessed significant progress. 13 projects, while more projects are being implemented, have been launched and completed. In the first half of this year, our bilateral trade in goods topped US$37.5 billion, up by 53.5% year on year, and China's direct non-financial investment in the Philippines increased by 2.3 times. China has become the Philippines' second largest export market, while remaining its largest trading partner and largest source of imports.

Friendly exchanges have become even closer. As neighbors facing each other across the sea, China and the Philippines always value amity and friendship. We have been committed to managing differences, enhancing mutual trust and exploring practical cooperation through friendly dialogues and consultations, in order to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea. In addition, we have launched the Manila Forum for Philippines-China Relations and the Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding, so as to provide new platforms to strengthen people-to-people bond and attract more companions and supporters in promoting China-Philippines friendship.

As a Philippine saying goes, "A broom is sturdy because its strands are tightly bound. (Matibay ang walis, palibhasa'y magkabigki.)" The steady growth of China-Philippines relations could not be achieved without the support and facilitation by our Filipino friends and the Chinese communities in the Philippines. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your hard work and valuable contributions.

 Ladies and Gentlemen,

Under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people will open new chapters of national progress and rejuvenation on the new journey toward fully building a modern socialist country. We will also stay committed to strengthening solidarity and cooperation with the Philippine people along the path of common development to create an even brighter future for our two countries.

 To conclude, I wish China and the Philippines prosperity and strength, and wish the China-Philippines friendship flourish and last forever!

 Thank you!

 

 

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