China, SA are taking great strides together
People’s Republic celebrates 70th anniversary with a joint vision for the future
I WOULD like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government and the eThekwini Municipality, friends of all walks of life, members of Chinese institutions and community in KZN, for your understanding of, co-operation with, and support for China and Chinese people throughout the past 70 years.
In these 70 years, especially during the 40 years of reform and opening up under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, through the hard endeavour of Chinese people, China has made outstanding achievements in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.
China is now the world’s second largest economy, largest industrial country, largest trader in goods, and biggest holder of foreign exchange reserves.
Over 740 million people have been lifted out of poverty. People’s life expectancy has been increased to 76.7 years last year from 35 in 1949.
There have been remarkable achievements in manned space flight, lunar exploration, quantum science, deep-sea exploration, supercomputing and satellite navigation.
China has resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and Macau and implemented “one country two systems” in both regions.
The Chinese people are now united and confidently working toward rejuvenation of the nation.
In the 70 years, China has become closely integrated with the world. The People’s Republic of China restored its lawful seat in the UN. China has become a member of the World Trade Organisation and is a strong force for multilateralism.
China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind.
China has been contributing more than 30% of world economic growth for years and plays a significant role in promoting peace and the progress of mankind.
In the 70 years, Chinese people have supported South African people in their fight against apartheid and their pursuit for economic and social progress.
The new South Africa and China established diplomatic relations in 1998, and our bilateral relations have realised a triple jump from partnership to strategic partnership and now to comprehensive strategic partnership.
Our relations boast four advantages of political mutual trust, economic complementarity, people-to-people friendship and international co-ordination, and are underpinned by four co-operation platforms, namely the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (Focac), Brics, BRI, and South-South Co-operation, bringing more and more tangible benefits to our two peoples.
Last year, our two-way trade reached US$43.5 billion (R656bn), a 27-fold increase from the beginning of our diplomatic relations. Chinese business has invested more than US$25bn in South Africa and created more than 400000 local jobs.
In KZN, Chinese companies such as Cosco Shipping, ZPMC, YOA and Huawei have been strengthening their co-operation with local partners.
A group of Chinese artists recently performed at the Reed Dance for the first time and were overwhelmingly received.
Chinese community members have opened many factories and training centres in Newcastle, Mandini and the Bluff, and rushed to the aid of floodstricken brothers and sisters in Durban in April with blankets, biscuits,shoes and other items.
Ladies and gentlemen, the year 2019 celebrates the 70th anniversary of the founding of new China, the 25th anniversary of the new South Africa and the 20th anniversary of the launching of the Chinese Consulate in Durban.
China is currently dedicated to its “two centenary goals”, namely building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by the centenary of the CPC (in 2021) and building a modern socialist country by the centenary of the People’s Republic of China in the middle of this century. South Africa aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. And KZN strives to be a prosperous province by 2035, with a healthy, secure and skilled population, living in dignity and harmony, a gateway to Africa and the world.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said: “The Chinese and African people should enhance unity, co-operation, mutual support and assistance to make our dreams come true.
“As close friends, partners and brothers, let’s jointly redouble our efforts and join our hands for building a community with a shared future for China and South Africa.”
May China and South Africa be prosperous! May friendship between China and South Africa and our peoples be everlasting.