Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are delighted to welcome so many distinguished guests to jointly celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Sweden, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all, and to express our sincere appreciation to friends from all walks of life who have long cared for and supported the development of China and China-Sweden relations.

Over the past 77 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have turned China from an impoverished country into the second largest economy in the world, and made the historic stride of raising the living standards of its people from bare subsistence to moderate prosperity in general. We have realized the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, and made significant contributions to the just cause of peace and development of humanity. 

In 2025, China’s GDP has grown to 140.19 trillion RMB, accounting for around 17% of the global economy. China’s scientific and technological innovation capabilities have advanced by leaps and bounds, propelling the country into the top ten in the Global Innovation Index. Encouraging results have continued to emerge in frontier areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology and brain-computer interfaces. Advanced manufacturing has moved toward higher-end, smarter, and greener production.

China has continued to open wider to the world while deepening international cooperation. It has become a major trading partner of more than 160 countries and regions, making important contributions to the stability of global industrial and supply chains and to global economic development. 

In the face of a turbulent and changing international landscape, China, as a responsible major country, has put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. We firmly uphold the U.N.-centered international system, actively practice true multilateralism, work for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and remain firmly committed to acting as a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

The Chinese and Swedish people enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges, which remain vibrant and dynamic. As early as the 18th century, the merchant ship Gothenburg sailed across vast oceans and traveled thousands of miles to reach Guangzhou, China, marking the beginning of economic and trade exchanges between our two countries and building a bridge of friendship between our two peoples.

In 1950, China and Sweden established diplomatic ties, opening a new chapter of bilateral relations. Over the past 76 years, China-Sweden relations have continued to develop amid profound changes in the international landscape, and bilateral practical cooperation has brought concrete benefits to our two peoples.

Over the past year, high-level exchanges between China and Sweden have become more frequent. Last July, Mr. Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of China, visited Sweden. The two sides reached positive consensus on promoting the sound, steady and sustainable development of bilateral relations. Fruitful outcomes have been achieved in exchanges and cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, science and technology, culture, education, tourism and sports. Cooperation has continued to expand in fields including innovation, green transition and life and health. China’s visa-free policy for Swedish citizens has been widely welcomed across various sectors, contributing to more vibrant people-to-people exchanges between our two countries.

In the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will continue to promote high-quality development and high-standard opening up, make greater efforts to foster new quality productive forces, bring more development opportunities to Sweden and beyond, and join hands in addressing global challenges and advancing world development and prosperity.

Friendship needs nurturing and cooperation requires sustained commitment. China stands ready to work with Sweden to fully leverage our economic complementarity, actively unlock the potential of practical cooperation, and deliver more fruits of cooperation to our two countries and peoples.

Now, I would like to propose a toast:

To the prosperity of our two countries, 

To the happiness and health of our two peoples,

To our everlasting friendship,

Cheers!