Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Bon Nochi! I am delighted to get together with you tonight to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This is my third month of working on the beautiful Dutch Caribbean islands. On behalf of the Chinese Consulate General, I wish to extend a very warm welcome to everyone here, and pay tribute to all friends who have long cared for and supported the development of China-Dutch Caribbean relations!
Over the past 76 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese people, through their strenuous efforts, have completely transformed the impoverished country into the world’s second largest economy. China has achieved a rapid economic surge and maintained long-term social stability at the same time. These remarkable miracles have brought moderate prosperity to the people in all respects, and eliminated absolute poverty for millions of people. With decades of hard work, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era.
Now China is the world’s second largest economy, the largest manufacturer and largest trader of goods, and the largest holder of foreign exchange reserves. In 2024, China’s GDP reached US$ 18.9 trillion, accounting for 17% of the world’s total. In the first half of this year, China’s economy maintained steady and positive, increasing by 5.3% year-on-year GDP. We have put in place the world’s biggest medical, educational and social security systems. The Chinese people now enjoy a growing sense of security, fulfillment and happiness.
As the second largest importer, mega-sized consumer market and the major trading partner for over 150 countries and regions, China has contributed around 30% to the global economic growth for years running. In recent years, China has embarked on the journey of further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization through the path of innovative and green development. By jointly implementing the “Belt and Road Initiative” with more than three-quarters of the world’s countries, China offers more market, investment and growth opportunities to the world.
Over the past 76 years, China has never initiated a war. And China is the only country among the five “Nuclear Weapon States” that has promised not to be the first to use nuclear weapons. Following an independent foreign policy of peace, China has always worked for peace talks and the political settlement of international disputes. We have written into the Constitution of the CPC and the Constitution of our country the commitment to peaceful development, proposed a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, and embarked on a new path that is completely different from the rise of great powers in the past.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The world today is undergoing faster transformation and chaotic interweaving unprecedented in a century. Humanity has again come to a new crossroads in history. President Xi Jinping proposed the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, providing China’s solutions for the world’s future and the destiny of mankind. We advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
Lately, China has successfully held the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin summit 2025, and 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. In his speeches, President Xi Jinping solemnly proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), and clearly articulated its core concepts, namely, adhere to sovereign equality, abide by international law, practice multilateralism, advocate the people-centered approach, and focus on taking real actions. These five concepts elucidate the principles, methods, and pathways that need to be followed to reform and improve global governance. The GGI is another important global public good that China has contributed to the world following the Global Development Initiative (CDI), Global Security Initiative (CSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). Each of the four global initiatives has its own focus, yet they are mutually reinforcing, addressing development, security, civilization, and governance, respectively. Together, they inject stability and certainty into a turbulent world, showcasing China’s responsibility and actions in international affairs.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As the new Consul General of China in Willemstad, I am deeply aware of the significance of my mission. Although having been in office for less than three months, I enjoy the friendship and enthusiasm of people from all walks of life in the consular district. And I am glad to see the huge potential for developing relations between two sides. We welcome you to take a look at China, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China. The Dutch Caribbean is welcome to get on board the “express train” of China’s development to achieve common prosperity and development.
For a long time, the overseas Chinese have been united, working hard, actively integrating into the local society, and making great contributions to promoting the friendship of two sides. On behalf of the Consulate General, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to all of you.
The development of China-Dutch Caribbean relations is inseparable from the efforts of the two peoples. I am ready to work together with my colleagues in the Consulate to make more contacts with people from all walks of life, and to enhance the friendship of the two peoples. The door of the Consulate General is always open to all friends. You are welcome to join hands with us and contribute to promote the friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation between two sides.
Thank you!