Chinese Ambassador Zaidong Addresses National Day Event in Islamabad

Islamabad: Tonight, we gather here with great joy to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Honorable Chairman of Senate Sanjrani, H.E. Foreign Minister Jilani, and all our esteemed guests for their presence. I’d also like to pay tribute to our friends from all walks of life who actively support China’s development and foster China-Pakistan friendship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over the past 74 years, under the guidance of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese people have diligently worked together, forging a path toward socialism with Chinese characteristics. We’ve achieved remarkable milestones, marked by rapid economic growth and sustained social stability. Especially since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its helm, we have witnessed historic achievements and transformative developments in our nation’s journey. Currently, we are actively pursuing the revitalization of the Chinese nation through a unique path to modernization. We have successfully eradicated extreme poverty on an unprecedented scale, achieved comprehensive prosperity, and embarked on a new voyage toward creating a modern socialist country in every aspect. We have embraced a new development philosophy, devised a fresh development paradigm, and are advancing high-quality development. From 2012 to 2022, China’s GDP has surged from 54 trillion yuan to 114 trillion yuan, constituting 18.5% of the world economy and contributing over 30% to global economic growth. Despite the global economic challenges, China’s GDP grew by an impressive 5.5% year-on-year in the first half of this year, outpacing major economies.

We have prioritized a people-centered approach to development, establishing the world’s largest education, social security, and healthcare systems. The well-being, happiness, and security of the Chinese people continue to improve. We have also pursued a more proactive strategy of opening up, becoming a major trading partner with over 140 countries and regions. The Belt and Road Initiative has become an internationally embraced public good. We firmly believe that under Comrade Xi Jinping’s leadership and by adhering to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Chinese people will continue to advance in building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Communist Party of China seeks not only the happiness of the Chinese people and the revitalization of the Chinese nation but also the progress of humanity and global harmony. China’s development is interconnected with the world, and the world’s prosperity is intertwined with China. As we comprehensively advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and modernization, we will present the world with new opportunities arising from China’s development. Just recently, China released a white paper titled “Working Together to Build a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind: China’s Initiatives and Actions,” which systematically elucidates the conceptual foundation and practical application of building a community with a shared future for humanity. The Belt and Road Initiative serves as an official practical platform for this vision. This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s proposal of the “Belt and Road” Initiative and the 10th anniversary of the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). With profound insights into humanity’s future, the development trajectory of China and the world, President Xi introduced the BRI to promote global win-win cooperation and common development. In the past decade, within the framework of the BRI, over 3,000 cooperation projects have been initiated, attracting nearly one trillion US dollars in investments, creating 420,000 jobs in countries along the route, and lifting nearly 40 million people out of poverty. The World Bank predicts that by 2030, the “Belt and Road” initiative will generate annual revenues of 1.6 trillion US dollars worldwide. As a pilot project of the BRI, CPEC has brought in a total of 25.4 billion US dollars in direct investment, created 155,000 direct job opportunities, constructed 510 kilometers of expressways, generated 8,000 megawatts of electricity, and laid 886 kilometers of core transmission grids in Pakistan. It has injected substantial momentum into Pakistan’s economic and social development and stands as a vibrant symbol of China-Pakistan all-weather friendship.

The Third “Belt and Road” Forum for International Cooperation will convene next month, and China warmly welcomes Pakistani leaders and representatives to participate. We look forward to engaging in discussions on cooperation and shared development with Pakistan and other partners.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honored to serve as the ambassador to Pakistan during this significant period when China is actively building a modern socialist country in all respects, and when China-Pakistan relations have reached such heights. I am deeply aware of the significant responsibilities and noble mission that rest upon my shoulders. We are ready to work closely with our friends from both China and Pakistan, guided by the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders. Our main objective is to strengthen and deepen China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperation continually, expand the CPEC as a key platform for high-quality development, and safeguard our mutual interests in an ever-changing world. To this end, we are committed to preparing for the visits of Pakistani leaders to China for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. We hope this will further strengthen political trust, enhance strategic alignment, and advance the implementation of Pakistan’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. We are ready to enhance trade and investment cooperation with Pakistan and upgrade the CPEC to a growth-focused, innovative, livelihood-improving, environmentally friendly, and inclusive initiative. We are prepared to assist Pakistan in transforming its resource advantages into economic gains and development impetus, helping it address short-term economic challenges while achieving long-term independent development. We are committed to balancing development and security in partnership with Pakistan, promoting security and economic cooperation in tandem, just like the two wheels of a bicycle turning in unison. Together, we will earnestly protect the lives, property, and legitimate rights and interests of our people. We stand united with Pakistan on issues of core mutual interest and major concerns, upholding international fairness and justice, and contributing greater stability and positive energy to the peace and development of the region and the world.

In conclusion, let me extend my best wishes for the continued prosperity of our great motherland and the happiness and well-being of our people!

Chin-Pak Dosti Zindabad! May China-Pakistan friendship endure forever!

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