Honorable Minister Bruce Ralston, representative of BC provincial government,

Honourable Senator Yuen Pau Woo,

Honorable MP Don Davies,

Colleagues from the BC Consular Corps,

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Good afternoon!

Welcome to the Chinese Consulate General in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 50th anniversary of the Chinese Consulate General in Vancouver. It is the first time for years that we are hosting such a large-scale reception in the Consulate premises. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you and to all the dear friends in BC and Yukon who have consistently supported China's development, the growth of China-Canada relations, and duty fulfillment of the Consulate.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over the past 75 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have continued to forge ahead with resolve and tenacity, transforming the country from a poor and weak one to a moderately prosperous society in all respects. We have now embarked on a new journey to complete building a strong nation and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. Recently, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China successfully concluded its Third Plenary Session. The session adopted the Resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, outlining a new blueprint for China's reform and opening up. It sends out to the world at least three important messages.

First, the further deepening of reform. Reform is the fundamental driving force behind Chinese modernization. In this resolution, over 300 reform measures were rolled out, and all these measures will be implemented in place by the time the People's Republic of China celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2029, demonstrating the determination and confidence of the CPC to carry on the reforms resolutely.

Second, the commitment to high-quality development. China will commit itself to an innovative, coordinative, green, open and shared development philosophy, and foster new quality productive forces. In the first half of this year, China's economy has been making good progress, with GDP increase of 5% year-on-year. The transformation of industrial sectors towards "new" and "green" is accelerating. China's ranking in the Global Innovation Index has risen from 34th in 2012 to 12th of today. High-quality development will better meet people's ever-growing needs for a better life.

Third, China will expand a high-standard institutional opening up. In the first half of the year, 26,870 new foreign enterprises established in China, and nearly 70 billion US dollars in foreign investment, reaching a near 10-year high. More countries got visa-free treatment to go to China. In the first half of the year, 14.6 million foreign tourists entered China, an increase of 152.7% year-on-year, making "China Travel" a new trend.

Distinguished guests, dear friends,

Time passes swiftly. In November 1974, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver was officially established, marking a significant event in the history of China-Canada relations. Looking back over the 50 years of history, British Columbia and the Yukon have increasingly strengthened their ties with China, bringing benefits to the peoples of both countries and strongly promoting the development of China-Canada relations. China remains the second-largest trading partner of Canada as well as British Columbia . There are 15 pairs of sister provinces and cities within BC and Yukon. Next year, we will celebrate 30th anniversary of sister province relationship between British Columbia and Guangdong province of China, 40th anniversary of sister city relationship between Vancouver and Guangzhou, and 45th anniversary of sister city relationship between Victoria and Suzhou. We look forward to the further blossoming of these relationships.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In a world of turmoil and transformation, China and Canada, as two major countries with important influence in the Asia-Pacific region, share extensive common interests and complementary advantages. Maintaining and developing bilateral relations well serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, and it is also the sincere expectation of the peoples of both countries. In July this year, federal Minister for foreign affairs Joly visited China, marking the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to China in seven years. The two foreign ministers expressed a common desire to further strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields.

It should be noted that China and Canada have different historical and cultural backgrounds, political systems, and levels of development, and differences are normal. There is no conflict of fundamental interests between China and Canada, and our longstanding friendship among our peoples runs deep.

Next year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada, as well as the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Canada strategic partnership. Under new circumstances, we should handle differences in the spirit of seeking common ground while shelving differences, and strengthen cooperation through the principles of equality and mutual benefits, to improve and advance bilateral relations on a healthy and stable track.

Ladies and gentlemen,

There is a Chinese saying, “Distance cannot separate true friends who feel so close even when they are thousands of miles apart.” A magnolia tree grows by the flagpole of the Consulate General. In the spring, it blooms, filling the air with its fragrance. The magnolia symbolizes sincere friendship. As the Consulate General embarks on its next 50 years, I am committed to working with all walks of people within our consular district to continue nurturing the tree of China-Canada friendship.

Let us wish for the healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations, and may both our countries enjoy peace, prosperity, and the well-being of our peoples!

Thank you!