It gives me great pleasure to join members of the diplomatic corps for the New Year Reception here in the Beijing Performing Arts Center to ring in the new year and renew our friendship. First of all, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would like to extend new year’s greetings to you all, and express sincere appreciation for your care, understanding and support to China’s diplomacy in the past year. I also wish to thank Secretary Yin Li and the Beijing Municipality for the great support they have given to this event.
People often say, being a diplomat is the most fulfilling profession in the world. As diplomats posted in China, you can really tell this from your own experience. In this country with a 5,000-year civilization, a society in constant progress and a nation with 1.4 billion people, you have made many friends and worked with them to advance mutually beneficial cooperation. I’m sure the time you spend in China will become the most unforgettable episode and most cherished memory of your life.
As President Xi Jinping stated in his new year message, “In 2024, we have together journeyed through the four seasons. Together, we have experienced winds and rains and seen rainbows. Those touching and unforgettable moments have been like still frames showing how extraordinary a year we have had.” I believe this summarizes your 2024. In the past year, you have visited different parts of China to build bridges of friendship between our peoples; you have been to both cities and rural villages to feel the pulse of China’s development; you have travelled all the way to Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang and Xizang, seeing with your own eyes the unity and progress of all ethnic groups in China. Just now, you toured the three landmark cultural venues of Beijing’s sub-center, and appreciated up close the charm of the Grand Canal, a world heritage with a history of over 2,500 years. You have measured with your own footsteps the remarkable journey of Chinese modernization, experienced the diligence and kindness of the Chinese people with your heart, and devoted and contributed your strength to the friendship and cooperation between China and the countries you represent.
Earlier this month, I began the new year with a trip to Africa, continuing a 30-plus-year tradition in China’s diplomacy. There, I met an old friend, H.E. Allamaye Halina, former Ambassador of Chad to China and now the Prime Minister. He told me that although he is no longer the ambassador in Beijing, he still sees himself as a second ambassador in N’Djamena, and a bridge of China-Chad friendship. At that moment, I thought of friends who had served and were currently serving as diplomatic envoys to China. I’m sure that, like Ambassador Halina, you will remain lifelong envoys for friendship with China no matter where you may be.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one of our important jobs is to provide all possible facilitation for you to fulfill your duty, and we will continue to do so. By the time you complete your posting and return to your country, we will surely follow another cherished tradition in China’s diplomacy—addressing you as “old friends and good friends of the Chinese people.”
Friends,
Over the year of 2024, we have seen profound changes in the world, and we have witnessed the remarkable progress made by China. Under the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping, China’s foreign service has held high the banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind, strived for peace, and fulfilled its responsibility for development. China’s diplomatic efforts have brought more stability and positive energy to a turbulent world.
The year 2025 is one of great historic significance. We will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. At this crucial juncture in human history, China will work with all countries to bear in mind the well-being of the entire world and rise above estrangement and conflict. Together, let us promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among different cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
We need to work together to safeguard peace and stability in the world. We should implement the Global Security Initiative, promote major-country dynamics featuring overall stability, contribute to the settlement of hotspot issues, and forge synergy for world peace.
We need to work together to boost global economic recovery. We should advance the Global Development Initiative, uphold openness and mutual benefit, promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and inject greater impetus into the world economy.
We need to work together to champion true multilateralism. We should advocate the correct historical view of World War II, uphold the authority of the United Nations, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world. This year, under China’s chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China will play a good host, uphold the Shanghai Spirit, and continue to advance regional cooperation.
We need to work together to promote harmony and mutual learning among civilizations. We should implement the Global Civilization Initiative, and further facilitate mutual visits. The countdown is on for the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin. We look forward to having friends from across the world to this rendezvous on ice and snow.
Friends,
We will be ringing in the Chinese Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake is a symbol of wisdom and enterprise. In face of opportunities and challenges in the year ahead, we need to pool our wisdom and break new ground with great enterprise. Let us join hands and work tirelessly for still closer cooperation between China and other countries and for a better world shared by all.
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