Remarks by H.E. Xi JinpingPresident of the People’s Republic of ChinaAt the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ MeetingSan Francisco November 17 2023The Honorable President Joe BidenColleaguesIt is my great pleasure to meet you all in beautiful San Francisco. This APEC economic leaders’ meeting the 30th of its kind holds special significance. I wish to thank President Biden and the U.S. government for the thoughtful arrangements for this meeting.Since the establishment of the economic leaders’ regular meeting mechanism APEC has always stood at the global forefront of openness and development. It has played a robust role in promoting Asia-Pacific trade and investment liberalization and facilitation economic growth and technological progress and the flow of goods and people. It has helped create the “Asia-Pacific miracle” that has staggered the world.In the world today changes on a scale unseen in a century are unfolding at an accelerating pace. The world economy faces multiple risks and challenges. The Asia-Pacific region which is an engine of global growth thus has greater responsibility in these times. We the leaders of Asia-Pacific economies must think very hard as to what kind of Asia-Pacific region we should have by the middle of this century what we should do to usher in another “golden 30 years” for the region and how we can bring out the best of APEC in this process.An ancient Chinese sage said “For a righteous cause I shall press forward undaunted by thousands standing in my way.” In the same spirit we must remain steadfast in our commitment to APEC’s founding mission. We must respond to the calls of our times responsibly and meet global challenges together. We must fully deliver on the Putrajaya Vision of building an open dynamic resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community for the prosperity of all our people and future generations. To this end I wish to propose the following.First staying committed to innovation-driven development. Innovation is a strong driver of development. We should follow the trends of scientific and technological advancement more proactively promote exchanges and cooperation in science and technology and work together for an open fair equitable and non-discriminatory environment for scientific and technological progress. We should accelerate digital transformation narrow the digital divide redouble our efforts to implement the APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap support the application of big data cloud computing artificial intelligence quantum computing and other new technologies and create new momentum and new drivers of growth in the Asia-Pacific region.China remains committed to its strategy for driving growth and development through innovation. China is advancing both its digital industry and the digital transformation of traditional industries. China has put forward a number of initiatives for promoting growth and development in the region through digital empowerment such as digital technology-driven rural development corporate digital identity and transition to a green and low-carbon economy through the application of digital technologies.Second staying committed to openness in development. As manifested by the Asia-Pacific experience an economy thrives in openness and withers in seclusion. We must promote free and open trade and investment support and strengthen the WTO-centered multilateral trading regime and keep global industrial and supply chains open and stable. We must say no to any attempt to politicize weaponize or impose security implications on economic and trade issues. We must remain unwavering to promote regional economic integration accelerate the building of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific fully implement the APEC Connectivity Blueprint and share in the opportunities of open regional development.The recent third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that China hosted was a success injecting fresh impetus into global connectivity and the building of an open world economy. China applies the highest standards in implementing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and has taken proactive steps to align its economic and trade rules with the high standards of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement (DEPA) to accelerate the process of its accession to the CPTPP and DEPA. China will work with all relevant parties to write a new chapter in open development.Third staying committed to green development. Given the increasingly grave challenges such as climate change and natural disasters we must continue to promote harmony between man and nature accelerate the transition to green and low-carbon development and see to it that reducing carbon emissions and mitigating pollution operate in parallel with expanding green transition and promoting economic growth. We must deliver on the Bangkok Goals on Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy making “green” a defining feature of Asia-Pacific growth.China remains as determined as ever to pursue green development that prioritizes eco-environmental conservation and protection. China is making active yet prudent moves toward its goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality and is accelerating its transition to green development. China has put forward initiatives for cooperation between APEC member economies in green agriculture sustainable city development green and low-carbon energy transition and marine pollution control and prevention. All such initiatives aim to build a clean and beautiful Asia-Pacific region.Fourth staying committed to inclusive development that delivers benefits to all. Global development now faces severe challenges and the development divide is getting wider. I have said on many occasions that true development is development for all. We must fully implement the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and put development back on the international agenda as a central priority. We need to develop greater synergy in our development strategies and work together to resolve the global development deficit. China welcomes participation by all parties in the Global Development Initiative (GDI) to deepen cooperation in poverty reduction food security industrialization and development financing and build a global community of development so that the fruits of modernization are shared by people across the world. China will continue to support APEC in its economic and technical cooperation and work together with other member economies to make the “cake” of Asia-Pacific development bigger.ColleaguesChina is advancing the noble cause of building a great country and national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. China will remain committed to the path of peaceful development. The ultimate goal of China’s development is to better our people’s lives not to unseat anyone. As we celebrate 45 years of our reform and opening up this year we will continue to pursue high-quality development and high-standard opening up. Chinese modernization will bring the world more and greater opportunities for the modernization of all countries. I am ready to work with you for new success in Asia-Pacific cooperation and for another “golden 30 years” of the region.Thank you.

On the morning of November 16 local time President Xi Jinping met with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in San Francisco. President Xi Jinping noted that Fiji was the first Pacific island country (PIC) to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. A couple of days ago the two countries celebrated the 48th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. China sees in Fiji a good friend and good partner and supports Fiji’s choice of development path and efforts toward national development and rejuvenation. China will work with Fiji to consolidate political mutual trust expand practical cooperation deepen people-to-people exchanges and promote the continued growth of the China-Fiji comprehensive strategic partnership. The one-China principle is the political foundation for the sound and stable growth of China-Fiji relations. China expects Fiji to continue providing firm support on issues concerning China’s core interests and major concerns. China will as always continue to support Fiji in safeguarding its sovereignty security and territorial integrity. China stands ready to work with Fiji to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation implement the Global Development Initiative and advance cooperation in such areas as infrastructure agriculture fisheries and new energy thus contributing to the economic and social development in Fiji. China is willing to import more Fijian specialties. It supports Chinese investment in Fiji and encourages more Chinese tourists to go to Fiji.President Xi Jinping pointed out that in developing China’s relations with PICs China has nothing to hide and no axe to grind. The development of such relations does not target any third party. China’s policy toward PICs fully respects their sovereignty and independence. China never attaches political strings or gives empty promises. As developing countries China and PICs need to give each other stronger support and help as part of South-South cooperation.Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Fiji and China their bilateral relations have experienced continued strong growth. Fiji greatly appreciates the considerable support China has provided to the country and other PICs. Fiji firmly adheres to the one-China principle. The Global Development Initiative Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative that President Xi Jinping put forward are conducive to upholding and advancing the development and interests of countries of the Global South. Fiji looks forward to deepening cooperation with China so that it can determine and pursue its path to modernization. China is a great country that has always treated all countries as equals regardless of their size and Fiji admires President Xi Jinping’s global leadership. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that China will play a more important role in international affairs and Fiji-China relations will continue to grow even better in the future.Cai Qi Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and Wang Yi Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs attended the meeting.

On the afternoon of November 16 local time President Xi Jinping met with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam in San Francisco. President Xi Jinping noted that China and Brunei are friendly neighbors across the sea and good partners who trust and support each other. Over the past 30 years and more since the two countries established diplomatic relations they have continuously deepened political mutual trust actively synergized development strategies produced abundant fruits in practical cooperation across the board and maintained good coordination in international and regional affairs. Together they have set a fine example of countries of different sizes treating each other as equals and enjoying mutually beneficial and win-win interactions and made positive contribution to peace stability development and prosperity in the region. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the strategic cooperative partnership between China and Brunei. China stands ready to work with Brunei to carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation promote sustained progress in bilateral relations and deliver more benefits for the two peoples.President Xi Jinping stressed that China supports Brunei in following a development path suited to its national conditions welcomes the import of more quality products from Brunei and encourages more Chinese businesses to invest in the country. There should be broader practical cooperation in areas including food security digital economy and green development and people-to-people exchanges such as those in education culture tourism health and at the subnational levels. The two sides should work together to bring about positive progress in joint development at sea and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea. The Chinese side attaches high importance to East Asian cooperation and will work with Brunei and other ASEAN member states to advance regional economic integration and keep East Asian cooperation in the right direction.Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah congratulated China on successfully hosting the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou not long ago. Recalling the warm and long-standing relations between the two countries the Sultan said Brunei and China have always enjoyed good development of their relations and smooth progress in exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Brunei is firmly committed to the one-China policy. It attaches great importance to growing its relations with China and stays committed to enhancing cooperation in such areas as the economy and trade agriculture fisheries and green energy deepening people-to-people ties and engaging in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Brunei would like to continue to work with China to strengthen their cooperation within the ASEAN framework looks forward to an early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) and will make joint efforts to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace and friendship in the interest of regional peace and security. Brunei stands ready to maintain close communication with China on regional issues such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Cai Qi Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and Wang Yi Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs attended the meeting.

On the afternoon of November 16 local time President Xi Jinping met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in San Francisco.The two leaders reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to abiding by the principles and common understandings of the four China-Japan political documents comprehensively promoting a strategic relationship of mutual benefit and building a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship fit for the new era.President Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Codifying the direction of peace friendship and cooperation between the two countries the Treaty has become a milestone in China-Japan relations. Over the past 45 years guided by the four political documents including the Treaty the China-Japan relations have weathered twists and turns and maintained a development momentum in general delivering important benefits to the two peoples and contributing to regional peace development and prosperity. In this world of change and volatility where risks and challenges abound peaceful coexistence everlasting friendship mutually beneficial cooperation and common development of China and Japan serve the fundamental interests of the two nations. China-Japan relations are now in a crucial period of building on the past and planning for the future. The two sides should follow the trend of the times keep to the right direction follow the spirit of “drawing lessons from history and opening up the future” maintain the common purpose that enabled the normalization of diplomatic relations view each other’s development in an objective and rational manner foster a positive and friendly perception of each other and constructively manage differences and disagreements. The political consensus that the two countries should be “partners not threats” must be translated into concrete policies and actions.President Xi Jinping stressed that major issues of principle such as history and the Taiwan question are vital to the political foundation of China-Japan relations. Japan must honor its commitment and ensure that the foundation of China-Japan relations is not damaged or shaken. As the two countries’ economic interests and industrial and supply chains are deeply intertwined attempts to build “a small yard high fences” decouple economies or disrupt supply chains will do no one any good. China is pursuing high-quality development and high-standard opening up which will bring unprecedented opportunities to Japan and other countries in the world. The two sides should deepen cooperation and contribute to each other’s success uphold the global free trade system and achieve a higher level of mutual benefit and win-win results. The two countries should stand higher and embrace a broader vision carry forward the Asian values built around peace cooperation inclusiveness and integration practice true multilateralism promote open regionalism advance regional integration and jointly rise to global challenges.President Xi Jinping pointed out that the discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean concerns the health of all humanity the global marine environment and the international common good. The Japanese side should take seriously the legitimate concerns in and outside Japan and properly handle the issue in a responsible and constructive manner.Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that on the important occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between Japan and China the people of the two countries have an affectionate memory of the efforts made by the elder generations of leaders of the two countries in a wide range of areas to promote the development of friendly relations. The international community is at an inflection point in history. Japan with the future in mind hopes to enhance high-level communication and dialogue with the Chinese side increase positive factors in the bilateral relations and ensure peaceful coexistence. The Japanese side has no intention to decouple from the Chinese economy or sever supply chains and hopes to expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges and deepen practical cooperation in such areas as digital economy green development fiscal and financial sectors and health and elderly care. It will stay committed to the path of peaceful development and has not changed its position at all on handling the Taiwan question in keeping with the Japan-China Joint Statement.The two sides spoke positively of the newly established mechanism of export control dialogue. They agreed to maintain dialogue and communication at all levels hold a new round of meetings of the Economic High-Level Dialogue and High-Level Consultation Mechanism on People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges at an appropriate time maintain communication and coordination on international and regional affairs and jointly address global challenges such as climate change. The two sides agreed to work constructively to find a proper solution to the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water through consultation and negotiation.The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest.Cai Qi Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and Wang Yi Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs among others were present at the meeting.

On the evening of November 15 2023 local time President Xi Jinping attended a welcome dinner hosted by friendly organizations in the United States in San Francisco of the U.S.Amid warm applause Xi Jinping delivered an important speech.Xi Jinping first expressed his sincere thanks to the friendly organizations for hosting this event and expressed his warm greetings to all American friends who have long committed to growing China-U.S. relations and his best wishes to the friendly American people.Xi Jinping pointed out that the foundation of China-U.S. relations was laid by the two peoples. During World War II the two countries fought side by side for peace and justice. The Chinese people never forget the Flying Tigers. The American people on their part always remember the Chinese who risked their lives to save American pilots. The friendship between the two peoples which has stood the test of blood and fire will be passed on from generation to generation.The door of China-U.S. relations was opened by the two peoples. For 22 years there were estrangement and antagonism between the two countries. But the converging interests enabled China and the United States to rise above differences and the people's longing broke the ice between the two countries. The hope of the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people its foundation is in the two societies its future depends on the youth and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels. He welcomes more U.S. governors Congressional members and people from all walks of life to visit China.The stories of China-U.S. relations are written by the two peoples. Although the two countries are different in history culture and social system and have embarked on different development paths the two peoples are both kind friendly hardworking and down-to-earth. They both love their countries their families and their lives and they both are friendly toward each other and are interested in each other. It is the reaching out to each other by the two peoples that has time and again brought China-U.S. relations from a low ebb back onto the right track. President Xi is convinced that once opened the door of China-U.S. relations cannot be shut again.The future of China-U.S. relations will be created by the two peoples. The more difficulties there are the greater the need for the two countries to forge a closer bond between their peoples and to open their hearts to each other and more people need to speak up for the relationship. The two countries should build more bridges and pave more roads for people-to-people interactions. China and the United States will roll out more measures to facilitate travels and promote people-to-people exchanges. President Xi hopes that the two peoples will make more visits contacts and exchanges and write new stories of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples in the new era.Xi Jinping noted that "We are in an era of challenges and changes. It is also an era of hope." The world needs China and the United States to work together for a better future. China and the United States must handle their relations well and should assume the vision shoulder the responsibility and play the role that comes along with their status as major countries.Just as mutual respect is a basic code of behavior for individuals it is fundamental for China-U.S. relations. China respects the development path and democratic system of the United States and is proud of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The two paths are different but both are the choice by the two peoples. They should be both respected.Peaceful coexistence is a basic norm for international relations and is even more of a line that China and the United States should hold on to as two major countries. It is wrong to view China which is committed to peaceful development as a threat and thus play a zero-sum game against it. China never bets against the United States and never interferes in its internal affairs. China has no intention to challenge the United States or to unseat it. Instead China will be glad to see a confident open ever-growing and prosperous United States. Likewise the United States should not bet against China or interfere in China's internal affairs. It should instead welcome a peaceful stable and prosperous China.Win-win cooperation is the trend of the times and it is also an inherent property of China-U.S. relations. China is pursuing high-quality development and the United States is revitalizing its economy. There is plenty of room for their cooperation and the two countries are fully able to help each other succeed and achieve win-win outcomes. The two countries should promote dialogue and cooperation in areas including diplomacy economy and trade people-to-people exchange education science and technology agriculture military law enforcement counternarcotics and artificial intelligence. To increase exchanges between the two peoples especially between the youth China is ready to invite 50000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years.Xi Jinping stressed that thanks to a century of exploration and struggle China has found the development path that suits it. China is now advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization. China is committed to striving in unity to achieve modernization for more than 1.4 billion Chinese people. China is committed to prosperity for all to deliver a better life for each and every Chinese. China is committed to well-rounded development to achieve both material and cultural-ethical advancement for the people. China is committed to sustainable development to achieve harmony between man and nature. China is committed to peaceful development to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Throughout the 70 years and more since the founding of the People's Republic of China China has not provoked a conflict or war or occupied a single inch of foreign land. China is the only major country that has written peaceful development into the Constitution of the country and the Constitution of the governing party thus making peaceful development a commitment of the nation. China will remain committed to dialogue and oppose confrontation and build partnerships instead of alliances. It will pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up. The modernization it is pursuing is not for China alone. China is ready to work with all countries to advance global modernization featuring peaceful development mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity.Xi Jinping pointed out that the passage of time is like a surging river - much is washed away but the most valuable stays. No matter how the global landscape evolves the historical trend of peaceful coexistence between China and the United States will not change. The ultimate wish of the two peoples for exchanges and cooperation will not change. The expectations of the whole world for a steadily growing China-U.S. relationship will not change. For any great cause to succeed it must take root in the people gain strength from the people and be accomplished by the people. Growing China-U.S. friendship is such a great cause. Xi Jinping said "Let us galvanize the Chinese and American peoples into a strong force to renew China-U.S. friendship advance China-U.S. relations and make even greater contributions to world peace and development!"The audience burst into extended applause a dozen times during President Xi Jinping's important speech.U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo delivered a speech on behalf of the U.S. government warmly welcoming President Xi Jinping's visit. Raimondo said President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping held an open candid and fruitful meeting on that day. As President Biden pointed out the United States welcomes a stable and prosperous China. Economic and trade cooperation with China has created a large number of jobs for the United States and American companies have a strong interest in the Chinese market. The United States is committed to developing long-term and stable relations strengthening communication and dialogue avoiding misunderstanding and miscalculation and managing differences responsibly with China with a view to creating a future of common prosperity for the two countries.Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations Evan G. Greenberg Chairman of the Board of Directors of the U.S.-China Business Council Marc N. Casper and President of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations Stephen A. Orlins among others delivered remarks respectively. They said the important meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Biden in San Francisco and President Xi’s important speech to the American people are of extraordinary historical significance. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping China has achieved sustained and rapid economic development with nearly 100 million people successfully lifted out of poverty and China has truly become a major country with important influence in the world. They noted that despite differences in history culture and system the United States and China are interdependent with particularly profound friendship between the two peoples. This is the source of vitality for the long-term and steady growth of U.S.-China relations. As two important major countries in the world the United States and China maintaining dialogue and cooperation is of crucial importance for both countries and the world at large. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting mutual understanding between the two peoples and contributing to the improvement and development of U.S.-China relations.Before the dinner started Xi Jinping met with representatives of the US business community and other sectors as well as descendants of the Flying Tigers and General Joseph W. Stilwell members of Kuliang Friends and friends from Iowa Washington State among others. He had cordial conversations and took photos with them. Xi Jinping thanked them for their contributions in promoting friendship and understanding between the Chinese and American peoples saying that the Chinese people will never forget their old friends. Xi Jinping expressed the belief that the friendship between the Chinese and American peoples and bilateral relations will passed on and continue to grow.The welcome dinner was jointly hosted by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations the U.S.-China Business Council the Asia Society the Council on Foreign Relations the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other friendly organizations. Nearly 400 people including members of the U.S. government and friendly organizations and representatives from other sectors were present.Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the above events.

On September 22, 2015, the Third China-U.S. Governors Forum, with the theme of “Clean Energy and Economic Development” was held in Seattle, Washington State of the United States. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the forum and delivered an important speech. President Xi applauded that the theme of this Forum “low carbon economic development” meets with the common challenges of both China and the United States, as well as the world community. Xi pointed out that sub-national cooperation plays an important role on the bilateral relations, and is most connected with the ordinary people. State relations not only need the support from people, but also serve the people. Over the past 30 years, the development of China-U.S. relations benefited from local and people-to-people exchanges, and will continue to rely on local cooperation and benefit the local people. In recent years, the China-U.S. local exchanges and cooperation thrived, with 43 pairs of sister state/province relationship and 200 pairs of sister city relationship established. Under the current circumstances where the economic globalization and China-U.S. practical cooperation is expanding, the local government exchanges and cooperation will have broader prospects. The two sides should utilize the opportunities generated by the two great economies, and share the policy advantages of reform and development, give full play to the potential of the mutual complimentary. China and US should strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, information, auto-manufacturing and environmental protection, while maintaining people-to-people exchanges, expanding cooperation in education, tourism, sports and between the youth of the two countries, starting a new page of China-U.S. Cooperation. Governor Brown of California expressed a welcome to President Xi Jinping, whose visit has come at crucial moment of the development of U.S.-China relations and the development of the whole world. Maintaining close ties between the two countries is beneficial to the entire world. Both sides have reached important agreements on expanding cooperation on low-carbon technology and clean energy. Global challenges such as climate change can not be solved by any country alone. Both countries should join hands, promoting international cooperative efforts to meet these challenges. State and provincial leaders participating in this forum briefed on the cooperation between their state/province and their sister state/province. They all expressed wishes to further promote relations between the countries by sub-national cooperation. Based on the consensus of the presidents of the two countries, China-U.S. Governors Forum was first established in 2011. Representatives attending this year’s forum included Governor Brown of California, Governor Inslee of Washington, Governor Branstad of Iowa, Governor Brown of Oregon, Secretary Wang Dongming of CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, Mayor Wang Anshun of Beijing, Mayor Huang Qifan of Chongqing, Governor Li Qiang of Zhejiang, Governor Guo Shuqing of Shandong, Governor Lou Qinjian of Shaanxi and President Li Xiaolin of CPAFFC. Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu and Yang Jiechu also attended this event.

  On December 9, in the Great Hall of the People, under the witness of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Irish President Higgins, Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Mr. Charlie Flanagan, Minister of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, signed the “Memorandum of Understanding on a Framework for Jointly Enhancing People-to-People Exchange and Cooperation Between the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland”. The memorandum is aimed at further deepening mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of China and Ireland, enhancing the traditional friendship, and promoting the two countries’ practical cooperation. The two participants will, within the scope of their respective powers and mandates, make joint efforts to promote cooperation projects between the two countries’ provinces (counties) and cities and the development of friendship cities, strengthen friendly exchanges in the fields of education, science, technology, entrepreneurship, academia, culture, youth visits, etc., and host activities to commemorate important anniversaries of China-Ireland bilateral relations and the two countries’ major events, and historical and cultural days.

President Li Xiaolin of the CPAFFC Presides over the Ceremony Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Indian friendly groups and individuals and conferred the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Friendship Award on them on 19th in New Delhi, for upholding the China -India friendship cause over a long period of time. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Friendship Award was conferred on the representatives of the Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis family, the Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis Memorial Committee, the Department of Chinese Language and Culture (Cheena Bhavana) with the Visva-Bharati University, as well as the India-China Friendship Association. Dr. Jyoti Mohapatra, secretary general of the Friends of China Society, and Dr. Mohan Reddy, secretary general of the Andra Pradesh Chapter of the India-China Friendship Association, were also granted the award. President Xi Jinping spoke highly of the important contributions the awardees have made over a long period of time to the China-India friendship, and paid tributes through them to Indian friends from all walks of life that have dedicated to bilateral friendship .   Recalling the touching stories of Dr. Kotnis and Rabindranath Tagore, Xi said that their persistent pursuit of and selfless dedication to China-India friendship are really admirable. Xi pointed out that, China and India are two ancient civilizations that enjoyed friendly contacts over thousands of years, two important neighbors that have helped each other in realizing national independence, two big developing countries that together initiated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, two great nations that have been dedicated to the goal of national development and people’s prosperity. It is a great and noble cause to carry forward China-India friendship, which contributes to contemporary times and benefits the future .  Xi stressed that the aim of my visit to India is to carry forward friendship and promote cooperation. I’ve made it clear to Indian leadership and people of all fields that the Chinese people hope that two peoples will be eternal friends and partners for common development, who help each other on the path toward national rejuvenation. And I believe it is also the aspiration of the Indian government and people. Mr. Banerjee, dean of the Cheena Bhavana, spoke on behalf of all awardees. He introduced the founding of Cheena Bhavana by Tagore, and its long-time dedication to India-China friendly exchanges. He thanked President Xi for conferring on them the Friendship Awards and echoed Xi''''s words by saying that they will continue to make contributions to the India-China friendship. Among them was the younger sister of late Dr. Kotnis, 93-year-old Manorama Kotnis, who sits in a wheelchair and came to New Delhi from Mumbai specially for the event. She said her family found it very touching that the Chinese government and people still think of Dr. Kotnis and his relatives. The Kotnis family will carry on the doctor''''s spirit and contribute more to the India-China friendship cause, she added.     President Xi conferred on these individuals and groups the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Friendship Award, and congratulated on them being the first group of awardees. Xi said that the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, as the crystallization of the joint wisdom of the former leadership of China, India and Myanmar, has now become an important norm of international relations, and played a significant role in promoting the establishment of a fair and rational international order. Chinese government established the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Friendship Award in the aim of carrying forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to promote the establishment of a new type of international relations characterized by equality, mutual trust, inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutually beneficial cooperation. You have set a good example in upholding the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. We call for more and more people from both countries to join us in the bilateral friendship cause, to make the concept of China-India friendship deep-rooted in the hearts of both peoples and bear rich fruits. We believe that through the unswerving efforts of various generations of our two peoples, the China-India friendship could be passed on from generation to generation, and the great rejuvenation of the two great nations of China and India will be achieved. President Li Xiaolin of the CPAFFC presided over the awarding ceremony and made a basic introduction to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Friendship Award.  

 May 15, 2014 Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, Good morning! It gives me great pleasure to be here and celebrate with you the 60th anniversary of the Chinese People''''s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). First of all, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and also in my own name, I would like to extend warm congratulations on the opening of the conference and sincere welcome to all friends present. Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, said over 2,000 years ago, “It is such a delight to have friends coming from afar.” We have invited friends from home and abroad to gather here so that we can thank you for your unremitting efforts in enhancing the friendship between China and other countries, review our extraordinary journey in pursuit of our common aspirations, and celebrate our long-standing friendship and cooperation. The Chinese nation always believes in repaying the kindness of a drop of water with a wellspring of gratitude. The Chinese people will never forget our friends. Here, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all of our peace-loving international friends who have cherished our friendship and sympathized with and supported China’s revolution, reform and development over the years. Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, Friendship among peoples is the foundation for world peace and development as well as a precondition for win-win cooperation. Trust and equality are the prerequisite of mutually beneficial cooperation. Only when peoples from all countries are united with friendship can we achieve the common aspiration of peace and development. As trends toward a multi-polar world, economic globalization, and greater application of information technology gather momentum, countries are inter-connected and inter-dependent in terms of their national interests, fortune and security. They are in a closely-knit community of shared destiny. Facing the complex and ever-changing world situation and acute global issues, people of all countries need to strengthen friendly exchanges and work together to overcome challenges. Today, China is in the midst of growth, reform and progress. We have set two “centenary goals”, i.e. to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society and double China’s 2010 GDP and per capita income of rural and urban residents by 2020 and to turn China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious and realize the Chinese dream of the great renewal of the Chinese nation by the middle of this century. The Chinese dream not only represents the Chinese people’s pursuit of happiness, but also echoes the aspirations of the people all over the world. In pursuing the Chinese dream, China will go hand in hand with all other countries to help them realize their dreams. The Chinese people’s endeavor in realizing the Chinese dream will bring a huge opportunity to the world. In November 2013, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held its third plenary session, sounding the clarion call for the deepening of reform in a comprehensive way. China is working to translate the reform blueprint into reality. This new round of reform will be a strong driver for China’s development. It is certainly good news for the world economy. As a Chinese saying goes, “The ocean is vast for it admits hundreds of rivers.” China will open itself wider to the world, advance mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, and promote the development of the economic belt along the Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road of the 21st century so that countries can create and share development opportunities together. With greater openness, inclusiveness and broad vision, China will vigorously engage in cultural exchanges with other countries and make due contribution to the advancement of world civilization through mutual learning. Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, In recent years, with the rapid development of China, some people have started to worry that a powerful China will seek hegemony and some people have put forward the “China threat theory”. These views are mostly due to misperceptions and in some cases, they are the result of a strong bias against China. The Chinese nation always loves peace. As an important part of Chinese culture, the concept of harmony has a long history and strong appeal. We believe in unity between man and nature, peace among countries, the approach of “agree to disagree” and the good nature of people. In China’s 5,000-year history, the Chinese nation has been pursuing and maintaining the philosophy of peace, friendship and harmony. Peace is most precious; treat others with kindness; don’t do to others what you don’t want others to do to you. These ideas have passed from generation to generation and taken root in the mentality of the Chinese and is reflected in their behaviour. Our forefathers knew that a warlike state would eventually perish however big it might be. Since ancient times, the Chinese nation has been keen on foreign trade and communication, rather than invasion and expansion. The Chinese have focused on protecting their country under patriotism, instead of grabbing more land under colonialism. More than 2,100 years ago, the Chinese people launched the Silk Road , which facilitated equal-footed exchanges between eastern and western civilizations and brought about success stories of mutually beneficial cooperation, tremendously benefiting people of the various countries along the Silk Road. Over 600 years ago, a Chinese navigator named Zheng He led what was then the most powerful fleet in the world on seven expeditions to the Pacific Ocean and the western Indian Ocean. They visited over 30 countries and regions, without taking a single inch of land. They were there to sow the seed of peace and friendship, leaving behind many stories of friendship and cultural exchanges with the local people. The modern history of China before the founding of the PRC is a tragic chapter of humiliation, disaster and defeat. But it is also a great history of the Chinese nation’s resistance against foreign aggression and its struggle for national independence. The Chinese people, who have been through such trials and tribulations, cherish peace and will, under no circumstances, impose its own woeful experiences upon other nations. The Chinese people don’t have the gene for invasion and hegemony in their blood. The Chinese reject the argument that a country is bound to seek hegemony once it becomes powerful. The Chinese want to live in harmony and share common development with the people of other countries so that together we can seek, safeguard and benefit from peace. History has told us to stay on high alert against war, which, like a demon and nightmare, would bring disaster and pain to the people. History has also told us to preserve peace with great care, as peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticed when people are benefiting from it, but none of us can live without it. The world today still faces the danger of war. People in many countries and regions are trapped in wars, and the lives of countless women and children are threatened. All peace-loving people with a conscience should act to stop war and uphold peace. China will continue to pursue peaceful development and encourage other countries to follow peaceful development. China will shoulder more international responsibilities, work with other countries to stand up for humanity and international justice, uphold justice in international and regional affairs, and take a more active part in seeking solutions to hotspot issues. China will develop itself through maintaining world peace and promote world peace through its own development. China will stay committed to equal consultation in handling problems and differences and demonstrate utmost sincerity and patience in seeking a negotiated settlement of differences. 2015 will mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Over the years, thanks to the joint efforts of all peace-loving people around the world, the outcome of the victory of the Second World War and the post-war international order have been maintained, and peace and development have become the theme of our times. This has created an enabling environment for the development of all countries. The Chinese people will, together with the people of other countries, commemorate this great victory and cherish and safeguard the hard-won peace. Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, As the Chinese saying goes, “Affinity between the people holds the key to state-to-state relations while mutual understanding holds the key to people-to-people relations.” On a recent visit to the UNESCO headquarters, I saw, on the stone wall at the entrance, a message in several languages. It reads, “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” The message underscores the truth that the key to peace and common development is to make sure people of different countries fully understand the importance of peace and development to mankind. Therefore, we should strengthen inter-civilization exchanges and mutual learning. And people-to-people diplomacy represents the most profound force in promoting such exchanges and mutual learning. Diversity and richness of civilizations is a result of exchanges and mutual learning. Such exchanges and mutual learning are a major driver behind the progress of human civilization and peace and development of the world. We need to encourage inter-civilization interactions that transcend national boundaries and temporal and spacial limits to promote mutual understanding, support and assistance among people of different countries, foster conviction in peace and common development, and forge a strong power that prevents and opposes war and promotes common development. Over the years, the CPAFFC has followed China’s independent foreign policy of peace and devoted itself to making friends with other countries and peoples. It has made a great deal of good efforts and played an irreplaceable role in deepening people-to-people friendship, enhancing state-to-state relations, and advancing international cooperation. In its 60 years of history, the CPAFFC has fully demonstrated the power of friendship between people of different countries in promoting world peace and development as well as the important place people-to-people diplomacy has in China’s overall diplomatic agenda.  China has scored remarkable achievements in its development, but it remains the largest developing country with a lot of challenges and a long and arduous journey ahead. We need to draw upon the fruits of other civilizations created by people around the world. I hope the CPAFFC will build on its past accomplishment to achieve greater success in promoting people-to-people diplomacy, city-to-city diplomacy and public diplomacy, and make still greater contribution to the friendly people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries. People-to-people diplomacy needs innovation. Efforts should be made to conduct multi-tiered friendly exchanges in various fields and through diverse channels so as to make as many friends as possible. Sincerity in such exchanges holds the key to bringing the Chinese people and people of other countries together and bringing about greater mutual friendship, affinity, empathy and support. It is especially important that we encourage exchanges among young people so that the friendship between our countries will have successors. People-to-people diplomacy should leverage its advantages to open more channels for communication, set up more platforms for cooperation, and encourage more foreign institutions and talents to contribute to the modernization of China. More efforts need to be made on the sister city project to encourage exchanges at the local government level for the benefit of resources sharing, mutual complementarity and win-win cooperation. Attention should be given to public diplomacy to promote broad participation in NGO activities across the world, spread China’s message, share China’s story, and present to the world a true, multi-dimensional and full picture of China. Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, With hope, dream and hard work, nothing is impossible. The Chinese people have their dream, so do the people of other countries. This will bring unlimited vigor and a promising future to the world. Let us work together for our dreams and the noble cause of peace and development for all. Thank you!

Xi Jinping, the vice president of China, attended the Reception on 20th  Anniversary of Establishment of China-ROK Diplomatic Relations, which jointly held by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China, on August 31, 2012. Before the reception, Xi Jinping cordially met with the representatives from both sides of the Joint Research Committee for the Chinese and Korean Experts. Later, surrounded by warm applause, Xi Jinping stepped into the site of the reception and watched the revealing ceremony of the commemorative books and envelops for 20th anniversary of China-ROK diplomatic relations. Accompanying with the Chinese and Korean guests, Xi Jinping cut the cake for commemoration and watched the brilliant performance with the Chinese and Korean ethnic customs. An atmosphere of warm friendship prevailed at the reception from the start to the end. In her address on the reception, Li Xiaolin, the president of the CPAFFC said, this year was happened to be 20th  anniversary of the establishment of China-ROK diplomatic relations and the Year of China-ROK Friendly Exchange; the arrival of Vice-President Xi Jinping, showed the Chinese Government’s great attention for developing the good-neighborly relations between China and the Republic of Korea. She said, consolidating and developing the China-ROK friendship was the common wish of the people from the two countries. We wished to make our joint efforts with ROK, to promote the continuous development of the good-neighborly and cooperative relations between China and ROK. In his speech，Lee Kyu Hyung, the Ambassador of the ROK to China, appreciated for Vice-President Xi Jinping being present at the commemorative reception. He highly rated the 20 years’ great achievements since the China-ROK diplomatic relations established and expected China and ROK would be good neighbour forever, which worked together to create a peace-sharing, stable and prosperous future.   Luo Haocai, the honorary president of China-ROK Friendship Association, Yang Jiechi, the minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Jiarui, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of CPC, Li Zhaoxing, the director of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress, Li Haifeng，the director of  Overseas Chinese’s  Affairs  Office of the State Council, Lu Hao, the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League were present at the reception.     The representatives of friendly personages from various circles in China and ROK, over 400 foreign envoys to China and entrepreneurs, attended the meeting.