Honourable Ceann Comhairle Ms. Murphy,
Dear friends, 
Ladies and gentlemen, 

Today, we gather together to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, I extend a warm welcome to all our guests and express my heartfelt thanks to friends who have long supported China's development and contributed to the friendship between China and Ireland.

Over the past 76 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have forged ahead with determination, continuously advancing Chinese modernization. These 76 years have also seen China making increasingly significant contributions to world peace, global development, and the progress of humanity. China has historically eradicated absolute poverty, lifting over 800 million people out of destitution and achieving the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s poverty reduction goal a full decade ahead of schedule, contributing more than 70% to global poverty alleviation. Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, over 40 million people in developing countries have been lifted out of poverty.

As a major trading partner to more than 150 countries and regions worldwide, with a vast consumer market of 1.4 billion people, China has become the largest export destination for many nations and contributed a substantial surplus in service trade. In 2024, the U.S. recorded a $27 billion service trade surplus with China, while the EU’s service surplus exceeded $50 billion. Nearly 40% of exports from European companies operating in China were re-exported back to Europe.

“China’s Intelligent Manufacturing” has enriched global supply chains, making once-unattainable technological experiences accessible to all. China’s open-source AI has become a catalyst for global progress, enabling every country and industry to participate in the AI revolution. Chinese enterprises have laid over 200,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable across Africa, serving more than 900 million people and significantly narrowing the digital divide. As the world’s third-largest outbound investor, China’s Belt and Road Initiative projects reached $124 billion in the first half of 2025, surpassing the total annual investment of 2004.

China is also a top performer in addressing climate change, having built the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system. As of July 2025, non-fossil fuel sources accounted for 61% of China’s installed power generation capacity.

As a key contributor to global economic growth and an anchor of stability, China will remain committed to high-level opening-up, promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and sharing its development opportunities with the world, injecting more positive energy and certainty into global development.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

While celebrating these achievements, China will never forget its journey. Eighty years ago, China was a war-torn and impoverished nation just extricating from foreign aggression. China had beared 35 million casualties, accounting one third of total lost lives in the Second World War. The Western front of the Second World War is often marked by Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939. Yet even earlier, on September 18, 1931, the Chinese people fired the first shot of resistance against Japanese aggression in Northeast China, marking the beginning of the Eastern front. China’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the earliest, longest, and most costly campaign of the global Anti-Fascist War. China’s victory on the Eastern front prevented Japanese militarism from joining forces with European fascists, making a vital contribution to the final victory of the Second World War.

Recently, 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, we do so to remember history, honor the martyrs, cherish peace, and create a better future.

To remember history is to uphold humanitarian values. China, though ravaged by war, was never isolated. Doctors, journalists, merchants, and artists from around the world came to China, transforming scalpels, typewriters, and cameras into instruments of rescue. Chinese people will always remember Father Patrick Maurice Connaughton, an Irish bishop born in Galway, actively raised funds for Chinese people during the war, provided relief to displaced civilians, and supported the education of children amid the devastation of war. The victory of China’s resistance was a triumph shared by all forces of justice worldwide. Last month, the Chinese Embassy hosted a screening of The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, where guests, accompanied by the song “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” learned the moving story of Chinese fishermen who braved Japanese gunfire to rescue 384 British soldiers during WWII. These stories reflect a spirit of humanity that reaches beyond borders and should be remembered forever.

To remember history is to better cherish peace. Having endured war, China understands its cost. China is the only major country to enshrine peaceful development in its Constitution and the charter of its ruling party, elevating it to a national commitment. China has never initiated a war, never occupied an inch of foreign territory, is the only major nuclear country to pledge no first use of nuclear weapons, and remains the largest contributor of peacekeepers among permanent members of the UN Security Council, as well as the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.

To remember history is to uphold international fairness and justice. The post-war international order centered on the United Nations was built upon the blood and sacrifice of people around the world. China is a founding member of the UN and the first country to sign the UN Charter. China firmly supports the international system with the UN at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations grounded in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression brought Taiwan back to the territory of China, marking this year the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to China. The Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation issued by China, the U.S. and the U.K. explicitly stated that Taiwan, once stolen by Japan, must be returned to China. These documents affirm China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and form an integral part of the post-war international order.

To remember history is to build a better future. Though the smoke of WWII has dissipated, the world remains unstable, with many regions still plagued by conflict and instability. President Xi Jinping has solemnly proposed the Global Governance Initiative(GGI), emphasizing five core principles: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. Following the vision of working together for a community with a shared future for humanity and the Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives, China once again contributes its wisdom and solutions to strengthening and improving global governance. This initiative is not an overhaul of the existing international order, nor is it a fresh start outside the current international system. Instead, it aims to enhance the executive power and effectiveness of the current international system and mechanisms, making them more in line with the changing situation, more timely and effective in responding to various global challenges, and better serving the interests of all countries. It is widely welcomed by the international community.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

China’s unwavering commitment to being a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender for international order, and a supplier of public good is both a choice and a solemn promise to the world. On this path, Europe has always been a vital partner. China and Europe, as leading champions of multilateralism, globalization, and cultural diversity, are both founders and guardians of the post-war international order. In a turbulent and rapidly changing world, China and Europe must shoulder our historical responsibilities together, injecting greater stability and certainty into the world and contributing more wisdom and strength to the advancement of human civilization.

Ireland, as an important EU member, is a staunch supporter of multilateralism and free trade. Its long-term vision, sense of responsibility, proactive spirit, and commitment to justice in both domestic development and international affairs are deeply respected. Over the 46 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Ireland have deepened exchanges and cooperation across politics, economy, science and technology, and culture, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples. China appreciates Ireland’s commitment to the one-China policy and is ready to work together to implement the consensus reached by the two state leaders, strengthen high-level mutual trust, deepen high-quality cooperation, and advance our Strategic Partnership of Mutual Benefit, jointly contributing to a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous future.

The Chinese Embassy will implement the arrangement between the two governments regarding the establishment of the China Cultural Centre in Dublin. The Centre will offer a vibrant program of performances, exhibitions, and seminars to promote cultural exchanges between China and Ireland. It will serve as a dynamic platform for Irish society to better understand China’s development and explore new opportunities for cooperation. As an Irish proverb goes, “Ní Neart go Cur le Chéile” (Unity is strength). China stands ready to work hand in hand with Ireland to uphold genuine multilateralism, safeguard the global free trade system, and deepen our Strategic Partnership of Mutual Benefit. Together, we can make meaningful contributions to global peace and sustainable development.

Now, I propose a toast: 

To the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 

To the prosperity of China and Ireland, 

To the deep friendship between our peoples, 

And to the health of all our guests

Sláinte!