H.E. Mme. Tong Xiaoling, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, Holds Reception to Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China

2009-10-01

High-Level Bruneian Government Offcials Arrive at the Venue

Playing of the National Anthems of Brunei Darussalam and the People's Republic of China

H.E. Mme. Tong Xiaoling, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, held on 30^th September 2009 a reception to celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China at the International Convention Centre, Brunei Darussalam. More than 500 people attended the reception, including Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Anak (Dr.) Haji Kemaludin Al-Haj Ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Haji Mohd. Yassin, Speaker of the State Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Communications of Brunei Darussalam, Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Awang Haji Dani bin Haji Ibrahim, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs of Brunei Darussalam, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Force, Brigadier General Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Force, Colonel (U) Jofri bin Haji Abdullah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force, Brigadier General (U) Dato Paduka Haji Mahmud Bin Haji Saidin, ex-Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force, other Bruneian government officials, foreign envoys accredited to Brunei, local Chinese communities, people from Chinese-funded enterprises, and Chinese teachers and students, etc.

H.E. Mme. Tong Addresses the Reception

H.E. Mme. Tong and Pehin Dato Seri Setia Cut the Anniversary Cake

In delivering her speech, H.E. Mme. Tong reviewed China's remarkable achievements in economic and social development and also the socialist modernization drive during the past 60 years, and briefed the Chinese Government's measures to tackle the global financial crisis, to maintain the economic growth and to promote the recovery of the world economy. Reviewing China's diplomatic achievements during the past 60 years, H.E. Mme. Tong spoke highly of the China-Brunei relations, and pledged China's readiness to constantly advance the all-round friendly and cooperative relations with Brunei. "The ongoing reform, opening up and socialist modernization drive undertaken by the Chinese people of all ethnic groups are a continuation and development of the great cause of socialist construction since the founding of the People's Republic and the great cause of the Chinese people's struggle for national independence, prosperity and strength since modern times. We have full confidence in fulfilling the three historical tasks of advancing the modernization drive, achieving national reunification, and safeguarding world peace and promoting common development." , stressed H.E. Mme. Tong.

Cultural Performances-A Glance I

Cultural Performances-A Glance II

Highly appreciating China's remarkable achievements, Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abu Bakar congratulated on the 60^th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on behalf of the Bruneian Government. The guests were also entertained by the wonderful cultural performances presented by a visiting Xiangju Opera Troupe from China's Fujian (Hockian) Province. Besides, a photo exhibition themed on China's achievements in the past 30 years of reform and opening-up was also held during the reception.

Cultural Performances-A Glance III

H.E. Mme. Tong, Mr. Wang Wentian, Counsellor & Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy, Accompany Pengiran Anak Dr. Hj. Kemaludin Al-Haj and Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji at the Photo Exhibition

Full Text of the Address by H.E. Mme. Tong Xiaoling, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, at the Reception to Celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China.

Address by Her Excellency Ambassador Tong Xiaoling

at the Reception to Celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China

International Convention Center

30^th September 2009

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Awang Abu Bakar, Minister of Communications,

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to express a sincere welcome to all of you for joining us today on the occasion of 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. I would also like to thank our Guest of Honour for his gracious presence and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Bandar Seri Begawan for sponsoring the reception decorations.

Looking back to the history of the nation-building of the People's Republic, we have manifold feelings. In the past sixty years, China has developed from a closed and backward country into a modern and prosperous nation that enjoys political stability, economic growth, cultural diversity and social progress. Especially since reform and opening up in 1978, China's comprehensive national strength has been amazingly enhanced, people's lives tremendously improved, and the country's international stature greatly elevated. Adding to these remarkable achievements, China successfully hosted the 29^th Summer Olympic Games and launched the Shenzhou VII manned spacecraft last year, showcasing China's historic contribution to the athletic cause of mankind and its significant breakthrough in science and technology.

In the past sixty years, China's GDP has folded by 77 times. We have solved the affair of feeding 1.3 billion population, we have ranked our economy the world's number three and our foreign exchange reserve the world's number one. The current global financial crisis has ravaged many countries and hit the Chinese economy, too. Yet, we have risen up to the challenges with full confidence and resolute actions, and achieved initial results in our endeavor. The Chinese government's macro-economic policy and stimulus package have proven to be timely, forceful and effective. We have arrested the downturn in economic growth. In the first half of this year, the economy grew by 7.1%. We are confident in attaining the GDP target of 8% for this year. The continued economic growth of China is itself a reassurance to the recovery of the world economy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the past sixty years, China's diplomacy has also witnessed historic changes. We had diplomatic ties with only 18 countries in the early days of the People's Republic. Today, we have diplomatic relations with 171 countries across the world. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have always remained the corner stone of Chinese foreign policy. At the times of multipolarization and economic globalization, the foreign policy of China is aimed at safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security and development interests and promoting world peace, development and cooperation.

Since the founding of the People's Republic, we have all along pursued amicable relations and partnerships with our neighbors. This policy has won us many friends in Asia and beyond.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today as we celebrate the 60^th birthday of the New China, we cannot but remember the same day of 18 years ago. The People's Republic of China and Brunei Darussalam officially established diplomatic relations on 30^th September 1991. Since then, the relations between the two countries have seen fast, steady and healthy development. Our two countries have respected, understood, trusted and supported each other. China cherishes the longstanding friendship with Brunei Darussalam and stands ready to move forward the all-round friendly and cooperative relationship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The ongoing reform, opening up and socialist modernization drive undertaken by the Chinese people of all ethnic groups are a continuation and development of the great cause of socialist construction since the founding of the People's Republic and the great cause of the Chinese people's struggle for national independence, prosperity and strength since modern times. Reviewing the past, we feel deeply honoured to carry on this sacred mission. Looking ahead, we have full confidence in fulfilling the three historical tasks of advancing the modernization drive, achieving national reunification, and safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this auspicious occasion, I wish longevity of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddien Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. I wish Brunei Darussalam eternal peace and prosperity. I wish the People's Republic of China and Brunei Darussalam ever-lasting amity and friendship!

Thank you and Terima Kasih!