Distinguished Deputy Secretary Ms Elly Lawson, 
Representatives of government departments, 
Colleagues from diplomatic corps, 
Overseas Chinese,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we gather together to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Australia, I would like to extend my warm welcome to all of you, and express my heartfelt gratitude to friends from all sectors who have long cared for and supported China's development and the growth of China-Australia relations.

Over the past 76 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China, particularly in the more than four decades of reform and opening-up, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have created two miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. China's GDP rose from 67.91 billion yuan in 1952 to 134.9 trillion yuan in 2024, accounting for over 17% of the global economy. We have made the historic leap from a country with relatively backward productive forces to the world's second largest economy. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Chinese people have worked hard to complete on schedule the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, brought about a historic resolution to the problem of absolute poverty, and achieved the first centenary goal. The 98.99 million people in rural areas who were living below the current poverty threshold all shook off poverty, and over 1.4 billion people are marching hand in hand towards a better future.

This October, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will be held in Beijing. It will deliberate on proposals for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, further charting the blueprint for China's growth. Looking ahead, China will remain firmly committed to high-quality development and strive to achieve the second centenary goal. With Chinese modernization driving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in all respects, China will create more opportunities for world development.

We are confident in the bright prospects of the Chinese economy. In the first half of this year, while the world economy stumbled amid multiple challenges, Chinese economy sustained a steady and positive momentum, registering a year-on-year GDP growth of 5.3% and injecting strong impetus into global recovery. The international community widely recognizes China's economic prospects. For more than a decade, China has contributed around 30% of global economic growth. At a time when tariff wars launched by some countries have severely disrupted international trade and the stability of global industrial and supply chains faces grave challenges, China has been pressing ahead with high-quality development, serving as an important engine and a reliable anchor for world economic growth.

China will continue to make greater contributions to safeguarding world peace and improving global governance. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. At a time when the UN's authority is being challenged and historical nihilism is resurfacing. Three weeks ago, China solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, demonstrating China's firm determination to uphold the post-war international order and safeguard the peace and security of the world .

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the restoration of Taiwan. Taiwan's restoration to China is a victorious outcome of WWII and an integral part of the post-war international order. A series of instruments with legal effect under international law, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, have all affirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan. The historical and legal fact therein brooks no challenge. And the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 brooks no challenge. No matter how the situation on the Taiwan island evolves or what troubles external forces may make, the historical trend toward China's ultimate and inevitable reunification is unstoppable.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Confronted with accelerating changes unseen in a century and widening deficits in global governance, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative, clearly articulated the core concepts of the GGI, namely, adhere to sovereign equality, abide by international law, practice multilateralism, advocate the people-centered approach, and focus on taking real actions. Together with the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, it forms a comprehensive action framework to build a community with a shared future for humanity, contributing Chinese wisdom and responsibility to addressing global governance challenges.

On December 4, 2012, the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee adopted the eight-point decision on improving work style and maintaining close ties with the people, which is a major move in the Party's self-reform and the great new project of Party building. It has also provided a Chinese solution to improving global governance, with growing global significance. The eight-point decision has contributed to the modernization of China's national governance system and governance capacity. It has invigorated Party members and cadres to be proactive and dedicated, ultimately enhancing the Party's overall long-term governing capability. It has not only injected strong momentum into the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, but also provided political parties worldwide with a reference to enhance their party building and governance capacity, earning recognition and praise from an increasing number of foreign political leaders.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China–Australia relations have achieved a comprehensive turnaround in the past three years. Today, our comprehensive strategic partnership stands at a new historical starting point as it enters its second decade, with the prospect of greater development. In July this year, Prime Minister Albanese paid a successful visit to China. The leaders of our two countries held in-depth discussions on China–Australia relations and regional and international issues of common concern, and reached important consensus on further deepening bilateral ties. China is ready to work together with Australia to build a more mature, stable, and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership.

First, we should enhance exchanges at all levels and across all fields. On the basis of equality and mutual benefit, seeking common ground while respecting differences, we should promote high-level interactions, dialogue mechanisms in various sectors, and sub-national cooperation. Through communication and dialogue, we will deepen mutual understanding, strengthen political trust, and properly manage differences.

Second, we should consolidate and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. The essence of China–Australia relations is mutual benefit and win-win results. We should further strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as trade, energy and resources, agriculture, and wine, while tapping growth potential in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, clean energy, and electric vehicles.

Third, we should strengthen the foundation of friendship between our peoples. Before the covid-19 outbreak, annual two-way visits between our two countries reached two million, by 2024, it had recovered to 75% of its pre-pandemic level. Last year, our two countries agreed to provide each other with reciprocal access to five-year multiple entry visas. China has also introduced a unilateral visa-free policy for Australian citizens, bringing more convenience for our people-to-people exchanges. Young people represent the future of China–Australia relations. Over the next three years, China is willing to invite 3,000 to 5,000 Australian youth to visit and study in China, passing on the torch of China–Australia friendship from generation to generation.

Fourth, we should jointly uphold fairness and justice. The world today is undergoing accelerated transformation, with economic globalization and multilateralism facing headwinds, regional conflicts and turbulence on the rise, and growing instability and uncertainty in the international situation. As allies in WWII and countries with important regional influence, China and Australia should enhance coordination and cooperation to jointly uphold the international system with the U.N. at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, and promote a more just and equitable international order.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

China and Australia are friends, not enemies; are partners, not rivals. The healthy and stable development of China–Australia relations serves the shared aspirations and fundamental interests of our peoples and is conducive to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and the world at large. China is ready to work with Australia, guided by the strategic consensus reached by our leaders, to advance the steady and long-term development of China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership at a new historical starting point. I hope friends from all walks of life will continue to care about and support the development of China-Australia relations.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Beijing and Canberra. Later today, artists from Beijing will bring us a splendid performance and showcase of intangible cultural heritage. Let us warmly welcome and sincerely thank them.

Thank you!