Honorable Minister of State of Ministry of External Affairs Smt. Preneet Kaur, Excellencies, friends,
Tonight, I am hosting this reception to mark the 61st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. I would like to express my warm welcome to all of you.
2010 is no ordinary year for China. We have experienced devastating earthquakes, severe floods and landslides. At the same time, we have scored new achievements in economic and social development under extremely difficult and complex circumstances. The Chinese economy has maintained steady growth in spite of the negative impact of the global financial crisis. The living standard of 1.3 billion Chinese people has been further improved. Our cooperation with other countries, especially with other developing countries is gaining new momentum.
While taking pride from the positive developments, we are fully aware of the unprecedented challenges China is facing. Taken as a whole, China is still a developing country whether measured by GDP per capita or by the quality of its economic growth. Development will remain the priority for Chinese people. China will stick to the path of peaceful development and the policy of reform and opening-up. China's development will not harm or pose threat to anyone. Instead, it brings opportunities and serves as a powerful engine to the growth of the world economy. China will continue to cooperate with other countries on an equal and mutually beneficial basis for win-win result and promote common progress and prosperity of mankind.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
2010 also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-India diplomatic ties. We have witnessed steady progress of our bilateral relations in an all round manner. This year, high level exchanges are going on smoothly. Her Excellency President Patil paid a successful state visit to China last May. The trade volume between two countries is going to reach $60 billion. Cooperation in various fields is growing. People to people exchanges are expanding. The on-going China Festival and Indian Festival held respectively in two countries have contributed greatly to the mutual understanding of each other.
Of course, China-India relations, like any bilateral relations, do face challenges and problematic issues. But I must point out that our bilateral relations have become increasingly mature and substantive in recent years, and cooperation is always the dominant feature of the relations.
As Chinese Ambassador to India, contrary to the skeptical views of some people, I am optimistic about the future of China-India relations.
Because I have the full confidence in the wisdom of leaders of two countries, who view our relationship from a long-term and strategic perspective.
Because I have the full confidence in our two peoples who cherish the time-honored friendship and share common aspiration.
Because I have the full confidence in our two great nations, both are fast emerging economies, and face the common historic tasks of developing our nations and making fresh contribution to world peace and prosperity.
Therefore, it is my firm belief that on the basis of the strategic partnership cooperation, China-India relations will further advance and there is no force can stop it. To enhance good-neighborly friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation and to achieve common development with India will remain the set policy of China.
Thank you.
