This October sees the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The vision of the Chinese leadership and commitment of its people have changed the status of the nation from that of one with a backward economy towards a prosperous one that is playing an active role in the international arena.
China Today interviewed some foreign diplomats who shared their views on China’s achievements over the past 70 years and sent their best wishes.
Naghmana Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to China
On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, we convey our heartiest felicitations to the Chinese people and the Chinese government on this memorable occasion of the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
Today’s impressive military parade and the ceremony is a sign of a patriotic and proud nation who celebrate their milestones with so much excellence, pride, and vigor. I have no doubt that the Chinese leadership, with the support of the Chinese people, will continue to steer China towards the fulfillment of the Chinese Dream.
President Xi’s speech is a story of continuous struggle and subsequent achievements of the Chinese nation and a source of inspiration for the whole world.
Luis Schmidt, Chilean ambassador to China
There isn’t a single country that has been able to undertake as many changes as China has in such a short period of time. In 1949, a great percentage of the Chinese population had a life expectancy of only 35. Nowadays, it’s 75 to 78 years. Apart from that, during those years there was a high illiteracy rate, practically 80 percent of the population didn’t know how to read or write. Nowadays, nearly everyone knows how to read and write.
Poverty is another issue. 70 years ago, approximately 95 percent of the country lived in extreme poverty. Nowadays, it has been almost entirely eradicated. The progress undertaken within China has therefore been very significant. This is why I show my appreciation towards the Chinese people and its authorities, and I hope that this progress will carry on for many years to come, because if China does well, Chile does better.
Rudy Kiryl, Belarus’ ambassador to China
In China, everything is changing, not just every month, but every week. If you leave one city, when you come back, it will not be the same, absolutely different. I still remember that in 2008 during the Beijing Olympic Games, signs that said ‘nothing is impossible’ were everywhere. That slogan reflects the mentality of Chinese people. They really believe that they can do anything, just as they have been encouraged by the fruitful achievements and prosperity that China has made.
We see that the Communist Party of China represents its people. As the incomes in China continue to grow, people will become happier and richer, and China will become more diversified and open.
Karunasena Kodituwakku, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China
I extend my sincerest congratulations to the Chinese government and its people on the occasion of the celebrations of the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The long standing relations between Sri Lanka and China have always been cordial based on shared values, mutual respect, and friendship. I believe that they will be further strengthened in the years to come, particularly within the implementation of the visionary Belt and Road Initiative for the benefit and well-being of the people of our respective countries.
During the last seven decades, China’s development in the economic, social, and cultural sectors are remarkable and we admire those achievements. Further, I would like to congratulate the political leadership of PRC for the excellent contribution they jointly made to the global economy.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to extend the best wishes of Sri Lanka and my own behalf for further success and prosperity of the People’s Republic of China.
Leela Mani Paudyal, Ambassador of Nepal to China
I would like to extend the warmest and sincerest congratulations to the government and the people of China on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. In the past seven decades, the great Chinese nation has undergone a true metamorphosis, and emerged as a peaceful, stable, and prosperous society on the global stage. Through its full integration into the world community, China has made major contributions towards global peace and development and lent valuable support to the cause of equity and justice for all. As a close and friendly neighbor, Nepal is happy and proud to witness such historic transformations in China, and wishes that China will continue to achieve success in the future as well. Nepal looks forward to working closer together with China for attaining the shared objectives of peace, stability, and social-economic development in our respective countries.
On the momentous occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic, I would like to extend sincere best wishes to China and its people for all success in their quest for greater peace and prosperity!
Matt Burney, British Council Director China; Minister (culture and education)
Happy 70th birthday to the People’s Republic of China! It’s a story that continues to develop at a phenomenal pace. The U.K.’s cultural and educational partnership is a core pillar of the relationship between the peoples of the U.K. and China, and it is something we’re so proud of at the British Council to celebrate on this important day in China’s history.
