Your Excellency President Taneti Maamau and Madam,
Hon. Speaker Tangariki Reete and spouse,
Hon. Vice President Dr Teuea Toatu and Madam,
Chief Justice Sir John Muria,
Hon. Ministers, Members of Parliament, Secretaries,
Member of the Diplomatic Corps,
Respected elders,
Church leaders,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Mauri!
I wish to begin my remarks by expressing sincere gratitude to all the distinguished guests for your graceful presence at this reception to mark the National Day of the People’s Republic of China and the 1st anniversary of the resumption of China-Kiribati diplomatic relations.
As we all know, the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949. Over the past 71 years，China has achieved leapfrog development and seen continued rise of its comprehensive national strength. Once an impoverished country, China has grown into the world’s second largest economy. Once a shortage economy, China has developed into a manufacturing giant, the only one equipped with a complete range of industries. Once a semi-colonial country subjected to repeated aggression, China has emerged as a major country with a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
Over the past 71 years，more than 850 million Chinese people were lifted out of poverty; average life expectancy more than doubled from 35 to 77 years; nearly 1.4 billion Chinese people have made a historic leap from destitution to subsistence and to a life of moderate prosperity. A report by Boston Consulting Group on citizen welfare found that China jumped 25 spots in the last decade, the most impressive advance among the 152 countries polled globally. Under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people are on course to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and win a decisive victory against poverty this year.
Over the past few months, China fought a fierce battle against the COVID-19. Under the leadership of President Xi, we mobilized the whole country and adopted immediate measures to protect our people’s lives. Now most of the confirmed cases in China have been cured. It has been 41 consecutive days since the latest local transmission case in China was reported.
COVID-19 was first reported in China. But it is not necessarily originated from China. China has been fighting COVID-19 in an open, transparent and responsible manner. We reported the outbreak to WHO, shared the genome sequence of the virus with other countries, launched a global campaign of emergency humanitarian assistance to over 150 countries and international organizations in response to their needs, all at the earliest time possible.
Despite the serious impact of COVID-19, the Chinese economy has stayed strong and demonstrated a robust momentum of recovery, great resilience and enormous potential. China’s GDP expanded by 3.2 percent in the second quarter, back into positive territory, making China the first major economy to register positive growth in the world. IMF forecasts put China as the only major economy that will maintain positive growth in 2020.
This battle against COVID-19 epitomizes China’s character, strength and responsibility. It is impossible to make such a major strategic achievement in fighting the virus without the great spirit of putting life above everything else. The 1.4 billion Chinese have acted with a strong sense of responsibility, discipline, dedication and mutual support, thus creating a powerful defense of unity and solidarity against the virus.
At the moment, several COVID-19 vaccines developed by China are in clinical trials. When they are available for use, these vaccines will be made a global public good, and they will be provided to developing countries on a priority basis.
As the largest developing country in the world, China will stay committed to peaceful, open, cooperative, inclusive and win-win development. We will never seek hegemony, expansion, or sphere of influence. We respect the right of other peoples to choose their own development path. We firmly uphold multilateralism and oppose unilateral acts of bullying， oppose any kind of political virus. After this pandemic, China will further tap into its domestic demand, expand opening-up and share more of its development dividends with the rest of the world. We hope our recovery and development will fuel common recovery and development of the world.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In September last year, standing on the right side of the history, on the basis of One China principle, Kiribati made the historical decision to resume diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China and returned to the big family of China-Pacific island cooperation. Kiribati became the 180th country that has diplomatic relations with China. The resumption of China-Kiribati relations is a correct political decision in keeping with the trend of the times and people’s aspiration. It serves the fundamental and long-term interests of our two countries and peoples.
In January 2020, H.E. President Taneti Maamau paid a successful state visit to China. During this important visit, President Xi and President Maamau blueprinted development of China-Kiribati relations. During the past 1 year, China and Kiribati have promoted substantial cooperation in trade, energy, fishery, agriculture, education, medical care, people to people exchanges and other areas. Despite the difficulties aroused by the COVID-19, we tried our best to facilitate cooperation across the board, especially those in urgent need for Kiribati people’s livelihood and sustainable development.
In the combat against the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Kiribati have sticked together and supported each other, which fully demonstrates the sincere friendship between the two peoples. China provided grant in cash and medical supplies assistance to Kiribati. We have organized thematic video conferences between the health experts. This COVID-19 pandemic is a new reminder that Mankind is a community with a shared future. We can only counter global risks and challenges through solidarity and coordination.
There are more than 60 Kiribati students studying in China right now. They are enjoying a happy life with sufficient support and care from the Chinese Government and Chinese People. Some of them have shared their stories and views about China and Chinese culture on local media. With the promotion of our bilateral cooperation, more Kiribati students will get the opportunity to study in China in the future.
Ladies and gentlemen,
During the past few weeks, the Embassy team paid several visits to some outer islands. These visits gave us a good chance to promote mutual understanding and explore cooperation opportunities. Kiribati is a beautiful country with its unique culture and tradition. Kiribati people are very kind and friendly. They are eager to know more about Chinese culture and development. The Chinese people and Kiribati people have good sentiments towards each other. There is a natural bond between us. Within the framework of the KV20, Kiribati people are pursuing the dream to make Kiribati a wealthier, healthier and peaceful country that leaves no one behind. Guided by the vision of building a community of shared future for mankind, China will expand practical cooperation with Kiribati by seeking synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative with the KV20. As one of the development partners, China will cooperate with Kiribati on the basis of equality, mutual respect, mutual learning and mutual benefit. Our bilateral cooperation will bring more opportunities and benefits to the development of Kiribati. One year ago, the seed of China-Kiribati cooperation was sowed when Kiribati made the historical decision to resume the diplomatic ties with China. Now the seed has grown up into a strong sapling tree under the care from the both sides. I believe, with the valuable support from our good friends in different sectors of Kiribati, the Tree of China-Kiribati cooperation will further grow and bear more fruits.
I will conclude my remarks with Kiribati blessings, Te Mauri Te Raoi Te Tabomoa!
Finally, may I invite all of you to join me in a toast
to the 71th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China
to the 1st anniversary of the resumption of China-Kiribati relations
to the peace and prosperity of China and Kiribati
to the health of everyone present tonight.
Tekeraoi!