Dear Ni-Vanuatu friends,
Chinese compatriots in Vanuatu,
On the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Vanuatu, I would like to extend our best wishes to all of you.
This year marks the centenary of the Communist Party of China. Over the past 100 years, the Party has united and led the Chinese people and achieved great success in socialist revolution and construction, in reform and opening up, in socialist modernization, and in building socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. The Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation - from standing up and growing prosperous, to becoming stronger. President Xi Jinping declared on July 1st that China has realized the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and we are now marching confidently toward the second centenary goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects.
The Communist Party of China has always represented the fundamental interests of all Chinese people and has practiced a people-centered philosophy of development. It is with this philosophy that China has eliminated absolute poverty. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and through arduous efforts, we have effectively curbed the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, and protected people's lives and health to the greatest extent possible. Effective control of the pandemic has boosted economic recovery.
In the journey toward fully building a modern socialist country, the Communist Party of China unites and leads the Chinese people in implementing the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era. China is applying the new development philosophy and fostering a new development paradigm with domestic circulation as the mainstay, and domestic and international circulations reinforcing each other. Both domestic and foreign markets can be better connected and utilized to achieve robust and sustainable development. Reform and opening up will be deepened across the board.
China is always a builder of world peace, contributor to global development, defender of the international order and provider of public goods. This can be seen through China's positive contribution to international efforts to combat the pandemic and restore the economy, and through China's pledge to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.
Just a few days ago, President Xi Jinping proposed a Global Development Initiative. He urged countries to stay committed in six major areas: prioritizing development, a people-centered approach, benefits for all, innovation-driven development, harmony between man and nature, and results-oriented actions. By aiming at speeding up the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Development Initiative is not only an important public good and cooperation platform provided by China, but also a vivid demonstration of the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind in the development field. Focusing on addressing unbalanced development among and within countries, this initiative sets out the goals, principles and key areas of global development and international development cooperation. It will further pool the consensus of all parties, push for the international community to meet the challenges and jointly seize opportunities.
China will work to build a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative through joint efforts, and use China's new achievements in development to provide the world with new opportunities.
Right now, COVID-19 is still raging in the world, and profound changes are taking place in human society. The world has entered a period of new turbulence and transformation. Meanwhile, frequent natural disasters are affecting many places around the globe and pressing for greater climate change actions. Countries of the world face the daunting tasks of preventing and controlling the pandemic, promoting economic recovery and improving people's wellbeing. Against this backdrop, the people and governments of China and Vanuatu have looked out for each other and waded through difficulties together, promoting exchanges and cooperation between our two countries to a higher level. The China-Vanuatu relationship has stood at its best time in history with new headways being made.
--Guided by important consensus of our leaders, the China -Vanuatu relations have been continuously deepened. President Xi Jinping exchanged correspondence with President Obed Moses Tallis and Prime Minister Bob Loughman, charting the course for the China-Vanuatu relationship. Officials of the two countries at all levels keep frequent interactions through "cloud diplomacy" including virtual meetings. Prime Minister Bob Loughman and other Vanuatu ministers participated in the CPC and World Political Parties Summit. Vanuatu delegation attended the China – Pacific Island Countries Political Leadership Dialogue via video link. Major political parties and various friendly organizations in Vanuatu sent letters and video messages to congratulate the CPC on its centenary.
--Through concerted efforts against COVID-19, the two countries have enhanced friendship. China donated the first batch of Chinese vaccine and had it sent to Port Vila in less than a month after WHO's listing of the Sinopharm Vaccine, notwithstanding limited production capacity and enormous demand at home. Two Chinese medical teams are working side by side with their Vanuatu colleagues on the front line against COVID-19. The Chinese authorities and universities take good care of Ni-Vanuatu students in China like our own children. China-Vanuatu relations and the friendship between the two peoples have been further deepened in the joint fight against COVID-19, disaster response and efforts to revive the economy, which has illustrated the true meaning of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.
--Through practical cooperation in diverse fields, the two countries have made more joint achievements. The first-ever two-way direct passenger flights between China and Vanuatu were successfully operated by Air Vanuatu. Key cooperation projects such as the Tanna-Malekula Road Phase II and the Pentecost Road are progressing smoothly. Vanuatu's competitive products are going to be showcased at the Fourth China International Import Expo. China and Vanuatu have signed a joint Chinese language education MoU. The groundbreaking ceremony of the Port Vila community sports complex funded by Foshan was held. As sister-cities, Port Vila and Foshan conducted a virtual dialogue for the first time.
Looking ahead, there are enormous potentials for the two countries to cooperate in a wide range of areas such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, infrastructure, transportation and communication, trade, finance, education and training, tourism, culture, ocean exploitation, public health and traditional medicine. With 1.4 billion people and a 400 million middle-income group, China is a huge market. As China opens wider to the outside world, it will provide more export and development opportunities for Vanuatu.
The sound development of China-Vanuatu relationship has created a favorable environment for overseas Chinese to work, study and live in Vanuatu. Meanwhile, the Chinese community and Chinese enterprises in Vanuatu have enthusiastically made contributions to local communities, injecting more vitality in the bilateral relations, and building up the bridge of friendship and cooperation. I sincerely hope that the Chinese community in Vanuatu will continue to carry forward the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation, care for the motherland and unite closely as one, making more endeavors for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the ever-growing China-Vanuatu friendship. The Chinese embassy will do its utmost to provide service and assistance to all Chinese citizens in Vanuatu.
As an ancient Chinese poem reads, "When you hoist the sails to cross the sea, you'll ride the wind and cleave the waves." China and Vanuatu both are developing countries now, who cherish independence and self-reliance and are committed to meeting people's aspiration for a better life. Both Chinese and Ni-Vanuatu honor commitment, cherish friendship and uphold justice. Both peoples are intelligent and resilient. Making concerted efforts, we will usher in a brighter future together. The China-Vanuatu comprehensive strategic partnership is bound to bear fruitful results and continue to benefit the two countries and the two peoples.
Wish the great motherland prosperity and the Chinese people happiness and well-being!
Wish all Chinese compatriots in Vanuatu a happy National Day!
May China-Vanuatu relations thrive and grow stronger forever!