Good evening! First of all, please allow me to extend my sincere appreciation and greetings to our friends who have long valued China-Australia relations and China-New South Wales friendship, as well as to the Chinese community and students in New South Wales.

Today, we celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Over 76 years of endeavour, the Chinese people, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, have made remarkable achievements, bringing unique opportunities and contributions to the world.

We have made solid new strides in advancing Chinese modernisation and continue to promote high-standard opening up. Despite mounting external pressures, China’s GDP expanded 5.3 per cent year-on-year in the first half of this year, and China’s economy continues to contribute about 30 per cent to global growth. We are developing new quality productive forces in light of actual conditions and pursuing integrated advancement in technological and industrial innovation, making historic breakthroughs in many areas such as AI, new energy, satellite communications and biotechnology. We continuously offer benefits to the world with our supersized market, and steadily expand institutional opening up. The negative lists for foreign investment access keep shrinking, with all market access restrictions in the manufacturing sector removed. We also give all Least Developed Countries having diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent tariff lines and introduce unilateral visa-free entry and mutual visa exemption agreements with 75 countries.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Earlier this month, we held a solemn commemoration to remember history, honour fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future. Only by drawing lessons from history can we truly value peace. China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world. We stand ready to work with all parties to advocate the correct historical view, to firmly safeguard the victorious outcome of World War II, to advance world modernization, and to create a better future for humanity. Chinese people of all ethnic groups shall press ahead with enterprise, resolve and unity, to advance in the cause of national reunification, as well as to build China into a great country on all fronts and realize great national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. China has consistently fulfilled its international responsibilities and demonstrated its role as a major country. President Xi Jinping has successively put forth the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and solemnly proposed the Global Governance Initiative during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit. The Global Governance Initiative sets out five core concepts: adhere to sovereign equality, abide by international law, practise multilateralism, advocate the people-centred approach, and focus on taking real actions, which has elucidated the principles, methods, and pathways that need to be followed to reform and improve global governance. It meets the urgent needs of the world today and has gained broad recognition from the international community.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

Since taking up the role of the Consul General nearly a year ago, together we have witnessed the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership entering its second decade, and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. In July, Prime Minister Albanese paid a successful visit to China. The leaders of the two sides reached important consensus on further advancing our relations for sound development. New South Wales has long been at the forefront of cooperation with China. Let’s seize the opportunities before us, turn the leaders’ common understandings into concrete actions, and work together to bring greater benefits to the two peoples.

We should maintain a proper perception of each other, consolidating strategic mutual trust. From the government, parliament, and councils to think tank forums, from university campuses to media studios, I will continue to visit, engage in dialogue, and build friendship along the way, presenting China with openness and sincerity. I also welcome you to visit China across its length and breadth, to experience a true, multifaceted, and comprehensive China first-hand.

We should raise the level and quality of cooperation, making the benefits tangible. China has long been New South Wales’ largest trading partner. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, from January to July 2025, two-way trade between China and New South Wales reached 33.7 billion AUD, up 2.1 per cent year-on-year. In two months, the 30th Guangdong-New South Wales Joint Economic Meeting will be held in China. Let us embrace it, to promote cooperation in green energy, digital economy, healthcare, education, culture and tourism, agriculture and food for more and more concrete results.

We should foster people-to-people ties, strengthening the foundation of friendship. The hope of China-Australia relations lies in the people, its foundation is in communities, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from subnational exchanges. I’m glad to see vibrant sister city exchanges in Sydney, Willoughby, Hilltops, Blacktown, and Chinese culture flourishing in Parramatta, Newcastle, Georges River, and Strathfield. We will continue to promote exchanges in education, culture, science and technology and sports, as well as to support more young people to go to China for exchanges and study. May our friendship find its way in communities, campuses, and our hearts.

We should shoulder our responsibilities of the times, addressing risks and challenges together. Forged in the flames of the World Anti-Fascist War and endures to this day, our friendship reaches across the north and south coasts of New South Wales, spanning the seas. As important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, China and Australia should jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade, and safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law. I sincerely invite all of you to join us in contributing wisdom and strength to tackle global challenges together.

Dear compatriots,

Over many years, you have taken root in New South Wales while keeping the motherland close to your hearts. China’s great achievements embody your commitment and contributions, while Australia’s multiculturalism is richer and more vibrant because of you. The Consulate-General will hold “diplomacy for the people” in our hearts and shoulder high-quality consular services as our duty, making reassurance tangible, travel accessible, and care within reach, wherever you are.

In closing, let us raise our glasses to the prosperity of our great motherland, to the evergreen friendship between China and Australia, to the ever-growing cooperation between China and New South Wales. Wish you all good health and every success.