On October 1st this year, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It is my great honor to welcome all of you to my Embassy to mark this historic occasion. On behalf of the Embassy, I extend my warmest welcome to all our distinguished guests, send heartfelt greetings to my fellow Chinese nationals, and express sincere gratitude to our friends from all walks of life who have long supported the development of China-Dominica relations.
75 years ago, the Five-Starred Red Flag was raised for the first time over Tiananmen Square in Beijing, signaling the arrival of a new China after 5,000 years of trials and tribulations. From that day onward, generations of Chinese people, led by the Communist Party of China, have persevered and strived to transform a once oppressed and impoverished nation into a nation that has achieved both rapid economic development and long-term social stability.
Over the past 75 years, China has achieved a historic rise in comprehensive national strength, becoming the world’s second-largest economy and the only country globally with all industrial sectors listed under the United Nations’ classification system. China has continuously promoted high-standard opening up, becoming a key trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions. The Belt and Road Initiative has emerged as one of the most popular international public goods and platforms for cooperation globally. By the end of 2020, China achieved the elimination of extreme poverty. The per capita disposable income of Chinese people continues to rise, and the largest social security system in the world has also been established. Also, China has made significant progress in fields such as aerospace, new energy vehicles, and AI industries. Our technological innovation has led to advancements in global high-tech industries. Moreover, China adheres to the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets and has been a committed participant in fulfilling obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. China has pledged to peak carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality in record time, serving as a doer on ecological conservation and climate governance and also a trailblazer on the world’s environmental governance. And now, China’s remarkable transformation continues to astonish the world.
Ladies and gentlemen,
75 years is enough time to age for a person, but still a time of vigor and vitality for a nation like China. This year, the Chinese economy has posted a generally stable performance, making progress while ensuring stability. Under the leadership of President H.E. Xi Jinping, China has intensified macroeconomic regulation, focused on deepening reform and opening up, expanding domestic demand, and optimizing the economic structure. New quality productive forces have reported steady development, and solid efforts have been made to guarantee people’s livelihood. Positive progress has been made in promoting high-quality development while maintaining social stability. Favorable conditions such as a vast market, strong economic resilience, and great potential continue to provide strong momentum for global economic growth.
In July, the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC was successfully held, systematically deploying measures for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. This sent a clear signal to the world that China will keep promoting a human community with a shared future, pursuing high-standard opening up, and enhancing our capacity for opening up through expanding international cooperation. China will continue to inject more stability and certainty into the world through Chinese modernization, providing valuable cooperation opportunities for countries worldwide, including Dominica.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Dominica, making it a historic year for our bilateral relations. In March, President H.E. Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in Beijing. The two leaders reviewed the successful experience of the past 20 years and agreed to strengthen the alignment of our development strategies, converting our friendly relations into a driving force for win-win cooperation. In the future, the achievements of Chinese modernization shall further benefit Dominica, and the future of China-Dominica cooperation will be even brighter.
We will witness that China and Dominica stand firmly together. China-Dominica relations lie in a high level of political mutual trust, as well as in mutual understanding and support on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. China deeply appreciates Dominica’s steadfast adherence to the one-China principle and its unwavering support for China’s complete reunification. China will continue to firmly support Dominica in following a development path suited to its national conditions and playing a positive role in international and regional affairs. On this basis, China is happy to work closely with Dominica to enhance coordination, deepen South-South cooperation, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. Together we will stay committed to the common values of all humanity, pursue the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and call for a multipolar world that is equal and orderly and economic globalization that is universally beneficial and inclusive and safeguard the common interests of developing countries such as climate change.
We will witness even greater benefits from our cooperation. Over the past two decades, both countries have worked together to deliver high-quality projects that have contributed to Dominica’s economic growth, enhanced the well-being of its people, and unleashed development potential. Experts of the Chinese medical team and Agricultural Mission have continued to provide advanced services to the local population. Landmarks such as the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, Windsor Park Stadium, the West Coast Road, and the Agricultural Science Complex Building have all become symbols of our cooperation. These projects are playing an increasingly important role in the lives of the Dominican people. Just last week, I spent a pleasant weekend with my fellow Chinese workers at the international airport construction site. Although it was the weekend, trucks were still busy moving, and workers were diligently at work. The project manager told me that with unity and hard work, the project is progressing rapidly, following the “Chinese speed” and “Chinese quality,” aiming for early completion to bring more convenience to the Dominican people. I believe that with our joint efforts, key projects such as the international airport and post-hurricane reconstruction schools will advance efficiently, creating more opportunities for Dominica’s future economic and social development. 2 weeks ago, Hon. Dr. Vince Henderson visited China to attend the Ministerial Conference of the 4th China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum. I am confident that he will bring back more good news regarding the cooperation between China and Dominica.
We will witness the deepening of friendship between our two nations through enhanced people-to-people exchanges. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the people of China and Dominica have continually engaged in mutual learning and understanding. Many of Dominica’s talented youth and professionals have traveled to China for learning, training, or sightseeing. At the same time, an increasing number of Chinese citizens have come to Dominica for tourism, investment, business, and even to settle down, adding vibrant diversity to Dominican society. As we pass the milestone of 20 years of diplomatic relations, the desire for deeper connection and understanding between our peoples grows ever stronger. Last week, the WuOpera troupe from Zhejiang, China, visited Dominica and delivered an extraordinary and unforgettable cultural performance alongside Dominican artists for the public. I was delighted to learn that many spectators, including Hon. Irving McIntyre, were familiar with the story of the Monkey King and could easily follow the plot. I was even more gratified to hear that many who were previously unfamiliar with China left the performance eager to learn more about Chinese culture. And also, whether it was the visiting Chinese artists, the Chinese media, or myself, we were all deeply impressed by the Waitukubuli dances and steel pan performances, and captivated by the vibrant culture of Dominica. Perhaps this is the true value of people-to-people exchanges. This year, the Embassy also hosted open house events, inviting many local children to experience Chinese culture, art, and cuisine. Seeing their bright and innocent faces, I could not help but imagine that one day these children may become future envoys of China-Dominica friendship.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Time flies, and it has already been half a year since I assumed my post as the 7th Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Commonwealth of Dominica. Throughout my time here, I have had the pleasure of visiting nearly every part of this island and engaging with its wonderful people. Everywhere I go, I hear the same words: “China is Dominica’s true friend.” Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit once said that establishing diplomatic relations with China was the most important decision he ever made. While our diplomatic ties are only 20 years old, they have achieved results that would take a century for many others.
As we stand at this historic juncture, marking the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of China-Dominica diplomatic relations, I am filled with optimism. China will continue its journey of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and contributing to global peace and development, while China-Dominica relations will enter a new chapter full of vision and potential. I look forward to working with you all to unlock the full potential of our partnership, share in the benefits of development, and write a new chapter of friendship and cooperation.
Finally, I wish prosperity and strength to both the People’s Republic of China and the Commonwealth of Dominica, and good health and well-being to our peoples!
May the friendship between China and Dominica endure for generations to come!
May all of our esteemed guests enjoy good health and success in all your endeavors!
Thank you!