International :A reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China was held on Wednesday evening at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, president of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the event and delivered an important speech.

Xi Jinping said, “Through long-term exploration and practice, the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics has demonstrated its tremendous strength and advantages. The modernization of China’s national governance system and governance capacity continues to improve, and the momentum of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable.”

Xi Jinping said, “As long as we maintain firm confidence, stay focused on our goals and move forward resolutely, step by step, success will surely belong to the great Communist Party of China, the great Chinese people and the great People’s Republic of China.”

Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over the reception. Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng were also present. Nearly 800 Chinese and foreign guests gathered to celebrate the founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

The banquet hall of the Great Hall of the People was illuminated by chandeliers, creating a festive atmosphere. The solemn national emblem was displayed above the stage, while the years “1949–2026” stood out against a backdrop of red flags.

At the beginning of the reception, everyone stood to sing the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China. The stirring melody of the “March of the Volunteers” filled the entire hall.

Xi Jinping then delivered his important speech.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, he first extended festive greetings to people of all ethnic groups across the country, members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the People’s Armed Police Force, members of various democratic parties, and public figures without party affiliation.

He also extended sincere greetings to compatriots in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, compatriots in Taiwan, and Chinese nationals living overseas. He expressed gratitude to friendly countries and international friends who have long supported China’s development and nation-building.

Xi Jinping noted that over the past 77 years, the Communist Party of China has united and led the people in an unremitting struggle. This has resulted in two major achievements: rapid economic development and long-term social stability. China has achieved its first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and is now advancing with confidence toward its second centenary goal of building a great modern socialist country.

He said, “At this moment, we are immensely proud of the achievements of the new China that have attracted worldwide attention, and we are filled with confidence in the bright future of Chinese modernization.”

Xi Jinping emphasized, “Since the beginning of this year, the entire Party and people across the country have been working with enthusiasm and diligence to formulate and implement the 15th Five-Year Plan. Work in various fields is progressing steadily. Despite pressures, our economy is moving forward, advancing toward new and higher levels, and demonstrating strong resilience and vitality. New progress has been made in various areas of the work of the Party and the state.”

He said, “We must uphold the general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability, fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, accelerate the development of a new development paradigm, deepen reform and opening-up, and better coordinate development and security.”

Xi said, “At the same time, we must continuously improve the performance of the economy, effectively safeguard and improve people’s livelihoods, accomplish the goals and tasks set for the year, and ensure a sound start to the 15th Five-Year Plan.”

Regarding Hong Kong and Macao, Xi Jinping said, “We must firmly implement the policies of ‘one country, two systems,’ ‘Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong,’ ‘Macao people administering Macao,’ and a high degree of autonomy. We must help Hong Kong and Macao better integrate into and contribute to the country’s overall development framework, while maintaining their long-term prosperity and stability.”

He said, “We must deepen exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, resolutely combat separatist forces seeking ‘Taiwan independence,’ oppose interference by external forces, promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and advance the great cause of national reunification.”

Xi Jinping stressed, “We must adhere to an independent foreign policy of peace, advance the implementation of the four global initiatives, promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, and contribute greater certainty and positive energy to a world undergoing change and turbulence.”

At the conclusion of the reception, Chinese and foreign guests raised their glasses together to cheerful music, celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. They wished China prosperity and a flourishing future, happiness and well-being for its people, and lasting friendship between the Chinese people and people around the world.

Source: Swarna, Foysal, Lily, China Media Group.