On September 26, the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand hosted a reception at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The event drew over 400 guests, including Hon. Melissa Lee, Minister for Ethnic Communities, HE Deborah Geels, Deputy Secretary of New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Andrew Coster, New Zealand Police Commissioner. Also in attendance were Nancy Lu and Greg O'Connor, Co-Chairs of the New Zealand North and Central Asia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, Hon. Jenny Salesa and Carlos Cheung, MPs, as well as Rt. Hon. Sir Anand Satyanand, former Governor-General, and Rt. Hon. Sir David Carter, former Speaker of the House. Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from the Chinese community were also present at the celebration.
Photo by Vicky Lu
In his remarks, Ambassador Wang Xiaolong reflected on the 75-year journey of the PRC, emphasizing the resilience and determination with which the Chinese Communist Party has united the Chinese people in blazing a unique path of modernization and socialism with Chinese characteristics.
The Ambassador mentioned that notably since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, China has achieved new historic milestones and undergone further significant changes. China’s economic growth consistently contributes significantly to global economic development. The transformation of China’s economy is increasingly oriented toward “new” and “green” industries. China boasts the largest social security system in the world and made historic progress in eradicating absolute poverty. The nation is rapidly accelerating a comprehensive, multi-layered, and progressive approach to openness and actively advocates for an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive and universally-beneficial economic globalization.
Photo by Vicky Lu
He pointed out that the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has just successfully convened its third plenary session, a pivotal meeting held during a crucial phase for national rejuvenation, sending a powerful message: China’s reform will continue, and its commitment to openness will not waver. The approach of Chinese Modernization will not only bolster China’s own reform and development, but also present three significant opportunities for countries around the globe: immense potential of the market, promising investment opportunities and stable and sustainable growth opportunities.
Ambassador Wang noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand. Over the past decade, this partnership has experienced historic growth. In June, Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid a successful visit to New Zealand, during which wide-raging consensus was reached by the two leaders, offering fresh strategic and practical guidance for the relationship.
He paid tribute to the Chinese community in New Zealand for their contribution to the nation’s economic and social development and deepening the much-needed mutual understanding between the two peoples.
He stressed that China and New Zealand also shares a lot in common on global and regional issues. China regards New Zealand as a valued friend and partner and looks upon the 10th anniversary as a fresh starting point. China is committed to work with the New Zealand side to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders and take the relationship to the next level, on the basis of mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core interests and major concerns, non-interference into each other’s internal affairs, seeking common ground while reserving and constructively managing differences, and expanding cooperation for mutual benefit.
Photo by Vicky Lu
On behalf of the New Zealand government, Deputy Secretary of MFAT HE Deborah Geels congratulated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. She said that the reception coincides with the NZ Chinese Language Week and National Dumpling Day, reflecting the long-standing people-to-people links and rich history of connection between the two countries.
She stated that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 52 years ago, New Zealand has strongly invested in engagement and dialogue with China. This year has seen a high degree of engagement with ministerial visits in both directions covering areas education, trade, foreign affairs and climate change. A highlight was the June visit to New Zealand by Premier Li Qiang, which marked the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership. The two Prime Ministers were able to sit across from each other and speak together for considerable amount of time and discuss the success of the relationship in business, education, tourism and people-to people links as well as regional and global issues.
She remarked that as New Zealand’s largest trading partner, China plays a vital part in New Zealand’s trade and prosperity story. In turn, New Zealand provides quality, safe and delicious products that contribute to China’s food security. The nature of the trade and economic relationship between the two countries is highly complementary, resulting in total two way trade of almost 38 billion. The people-to-people links has enhanced the personal, business, cultural and community connections, with 58 regular weekly flights now connecting the two countries.
Photo by Vicky Lu
At the reception, painted sculptures and mural arts from Dunhuang Maogao Cave were exhibited. The delegation from Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province brought wonderful performances, including a dance Offering Tea and two songs, Sailing and Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon. The heritors of intangible cultural heritage showcased the Chaozhou Kung Fu Tea Art, Guqin Art, Canton Porcelain Firing Techinique and Guanxiang Craftsmanship. Starting from the land Silk Road and the maritime Silk Road, the charm of China’s unique traditional culture is unfolded in all aspects.
Touched by the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the reception, the guests highly praised the Chinese traditional culture and extended best wishes for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC and the bright future of China-New Zealand relationship.
Photo by Vicky Lu
Photo by Li Bo
Photo by Meng Tao
Photo by Meng Tao