Former President Dr. Heinz Fischer,
Secretary General Mr. Nikolaus Marschik,
Ambassador QI Mei,
Ladies and gentlemen, friends and colleagues,
It is my great pleasure to co-host this reception to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China together with H.E. Amb. Qi Mei. Welcome! Autumn is a season of harvest. On behalf of the Permanent Mission of China, I would like to extend my warm autumn greetings to you all!
Over the past 75 years, the Communist Party of China led hundreds of millions of Chinese people in hard work and pioneering efforts, marching forward successfully the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Through Reform and Opening-up, as well as Chinese Modernization, China has not only completed the arduous task of eradicating of extreme poverty but has also developed into the world's second-largest economy, becoming the most successful country in economic and social transformation and development among developing countries.
For a person, 75 is considered to be an old age, but for China, it is the prime of life. In July of this year, the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was concluded successfully, making systematic plans for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. The Chinese people will embark on the new journey towards Chinese modernization with a more open and confident morale, and a more proactive vigour. China will bring more stability, certainty, and driving momentum into the world through its development, providing broader opportunities for cooperation and development for all countries.
Over the past 75 years, China has steadfastly stayed committed to the path of peaceful development, following the principle of independence, and seeking peaceful coexistence with all countries. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence advocated by China has become basic norms governing for international relations and fundamental principles of international law. Committed to its foreign policy goal of safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, China, as the largest developing country and an important member of the Global South, has actively promoted global multipolarity and democratization of international relations, unequivocally opposed hegemonism and power politics, and worked to make the international order more just and equitable.
As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has consistently upheld fairness and justice from the standpoint of developing countries within the United Nations and broader multilateral affairs, staunchly safeguarding the shared interests of developing countries.
China actively implements the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, actively promotes the Belt and Road Initiative, and works with countries around the world to address challenges, achieve prosperity for all for a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.
No matter how the international landscape may evolve, for Global South countries, development is of utmost importance. Development is also the most distinct and vital feature of the multilateral agenda in Vienna, and the work of Vienna-based international organizations is closely related to peaceful use, scientific and technological application, development cooperation and global governance. The urgent needs and aspirations of developing countries to accelerate socio-economic development and promote modernization are our mission and responsibility.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the opening of the VIC, as well as the 40th anniversary of China's accession to the IAEA. Holding high the flag of development and based on the "Group of 77 + China" mechanism, China strengthens solidarity and cooperation with all member states, actively advocates true multilateralism, and opposes unilateralism and bloc politics. China firmly safeguards the right of utilizing science and technology for peaceful purposes and development for the Global South, actively advocates and vigorously promotes international development cooperation in all fields. We have made a series of new breakthroughs.
On behalf of the Permanent Mission of China and all my colleagues, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all colleagues and friends for your support and cooperation in China's efforts and contributions in Vienna!
Let's work together further to make development the sunshine that shines in Vienna each and every day benefiting all member states that aspire for development, promoting the Vienna Multilateral Platform to make its due and important contribution to the achievement of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Thank you.