The Free Press Journal

Yet another milestone for China

- The speech by Tang Guocai, Consul General of China, in Mumbai at the 70th Anniversar­y Reception of Chinese National Day

The past 70 years has witnessed three major leapfrogs of the Chinese Nation. First, “standing up, seeking independen­ce and liberation.” On October 1, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong announced the establishm­ent of the People's Republic of China in Tiananmen Square. Chinese people have since stood up and hold the destiny firmly in our own hands, ending centuries of humiliatio­n from semi-colonialis­m and semi-feudalism. This year is the 72nd anniversar­y of India's independen­ce. So in breaking shackles of colonialis­m and self reliance, China and India are indeed brothers.

Second, “getting rich, seeking developmen­t and striving for a well-off life”. Deng Xiaoping and other Chinese leaders put forward that “developmen­t is the top priority” and embarked on reform and opening up. In the past 40 years, China has created the “Chinese Miracle” that amazed the whole world. In 2018, China's GDP totaled US$13.6 trillion, ranking second in the world. China's per capita GDP jumped from $155 in 1978 to $9780 in 2018. China is now marching towards the target of a well-off society in 2020. India also started similar economic reforms in early 1990s. So on the way of reform and developmen­t, China and India are fellow travelers.

Third, “becoming strong, building a great amiable country”. The Communist Party of China unites and leads the people of all ethnic groups in the country to forge ahead and promote socialism with Chinese characteri­stics into a new era, with a focus on the three major battles of major risks prevention, poverty alleviatio­n, and pollution control, so as to build a strong, democratic, civilized, harmonious and beautiful nation. But China will never seek hegemony, we are always a builder for world peace, a contributo­r for global developmen­t, a defender for internatio­nal order, with China solution and China wisdom, especially for the developing countries. China and India successful­ly colaunched Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistenc­e 60 some years ago. Today building a community of shared future for Asia and the mankind, we are obliged to be responsibl­e storm weathering partners.

Next year will witness the 70th anniversar­y of the establishm­ent of diplomatic relations between China and India. There will be year-round colorful exchanges and projects. Let us further enhance mutual understand­ing and mutual trust through exchanges and cooperatio­n, further consolidat­e the foundation of bilateral cooperatio­n, and further polish the brand of Sino-Indian cooperatio­n. Here, I would like to extend my special congratula­tions to Bollywood actress Ms. Fatima, for winning the best action award at the Jackie Chan Internatio­nal Film festival. In fact, there is a real time documentar­y lying before us, which is the story of China-India cooperatio­n in the new times. Let us work together to co-produce such a documentar­y, telling well the story of Dragon and Elephant tango, the story of developing countries, and a community of shared future for mankind.

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