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Letter to the First Innovation Exchange Conference for Craftsmen of the Nation
On the convening of the First Innovation Exchange Conference for Craftsmen of the Nation, I would like to extend my warm congratulations.
Skilled workers are main forces underpinning China's manufacturing sector and innovation drive. The working class and other working people in China should carry forward the spirit of model workers, hard work and craftsmanship and adapt themselves to the requirements of the current global revolution in science and technology and industrial transformation. With diligence, dedication, innovation and initiative, they must keep honing their skills and contribute their wisdom and strength to promoting high-quality development, making China strong in manufacturing, and building a modern socialist country in all respects.
Party committees and governments at all levels should deepen the reform to train industrial workers and fully leverage the role of skilled workers, seeing that their creativity and expertise is fully unleashed.
The International Workers' Day is approaching. On behalf of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, I would like to extend my festive greetings and best wishes to all the skilled workers, model workers and other working people across the country.
Xi Jinping
April 27, 2022
Full Text: Xi's keynote speech at the opening ceremony of BFA annual conference 2022
BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech via video at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2022 on Thursday.
Following is the full text of the speech:
Rising to Challenges and Building a Bright Future Through Cooperation
Keynote Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping
President of the People's Republic of China
At the Opening Ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022
Beijing, 21 April 2022
Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government,
Your Excellencies Heads of International Organizations,
Your Excellencies Members of the Board of Directors of the Boao Forum for Asia,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to once again join friends old and new online for the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022. I want to begin by extending, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and also in my own name, hearty welcome to all participating guests and warm congratulations on the convening of the Annual Conference.
Right now, changes of the world, of our times and of history are unfolding in ways like never before. These changes are posing challenges that must be taken seriously by humanity. We have yet to walk from the shadow of a once-in-a-century pandemic, but new traditional security risks are already emerging. The weak and faltering global economic recovery is compounded by a widening development gap. While governance deficit in areas like climate change has hardly been addressed, new issues such as digital governance are also vying for attention. Viewed in such a context, the theme of this year's Annual Conference "The World in COVID-19 & Beyond: Working Together for Global Development and Shared Future" cannot be more relevant.
As an ancient Chinese adage goes, "One must not change his commitment or give up his pursuit even in the face of danger and risk." A review of human history teaches us that the more difficult things get, the greater the need grows to stay confident. Problems are not to be afraid of, as it is one problem after another that have driven the progress of human society. No difficulties could ever stop the wheel of history. Faced with the many challenges, we must not lose confidence, hesitate or flinch. Instead, we must firm up confidence and press ahead against all odds.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
For us to break through the mist and embrace a bright future, the biggest strength comes from cooperation and the most effective way is through solidarity. Over the past two years and more, the international community has been working extremely hard to respond to the COVID-19 challenge and boost global recovery and development. The hardships and challenges are yet another reminder that humanity is a community with a shared future where all people rise and fall together, and that all countries need to follow the trend of the times featuring peace, development and win-win cooperation, move in the direction of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and rise to challenges and build a bright future through cooperation.
-- We need to work together to defend people's lives and health. Safety and health are the prerequisite for human development and progress. For humanity to clinch a final victory against the COVID-19 pandemic, more hard efforts are needed. It is essential that countries support each other, better coordinate response measures and improve global public health governance, so as to form strong international synergy against the pandemic. We must keep COVID vaccines a global public good and ensure their accessibility and affordability in developing countries. China has provided over 2.1 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations. Be it in delivering vaccines abroad or producing them overseas, China has honored its commitments with concrete actions. China will follow through the pledged donation of 600 million and 150 million doses of vaccines to Africa and ASEAN countries respectively, as part of our effort to close the immunization gap.
-- We need to work together to promote economic recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously eroded the gains the world has made in poverty reduction over the past decade. Uneven recovery is aggravating inequality across the world, further widening the North-South divide. We should stay committed to building an open world economy, stay on top of the dominant trend of economic globalization, increase macro policy coordination, turn to science and technology for more growth drivers, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and prevent serious negative spillovers from policy adjustments in some countries, all in an effort to promote balanced, coordinated and inclusive global development. We should follow a people-centered approach, place development and people's well-being high on the agenda and, when policies are implemented, measures adopted and actions taken, always give top priority to bettering people's lives. We should pay due attention to the pressing needs of developing countries and advance practical cooperation in such key areas as poverty reduction, food security, development financing and industrialization, in a bid to address uneven and inadequate development. The Global Development Initiative (GDI) I proposed last year has been echoed and supported by the United Nations and other international organizations and nearly 100 countries. China is working with the international community on the solid implementation of the GDI.
-- We need to work together to maintain peace and stability in the world. An ancient Chinese philosopher observed, "Stability brings a country prosperity while instability leads a country to poverty." Security is the precondition for development. We humanity are living in an indivisible security community. It has been proven time and again that the Cold War mentality would only wreck the global peace framework, that hegemonism and power politics would only endanger world peace, and that bloc confrontation would only exacerbate security challenges in the 21st century. To promote security for all in the world, China would like to propose a Global Security Initiative as follows:
It is important that we stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and work together to maintain world peace and security; stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, uphold non-interference in internal affairs, and respect the independent choices of development paths and social systems made by people in different countries; stay committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, reject the Cold War mentality, oppose unilateralism, and say no to group politics and bloc confrontation; stay committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously, uphold the principle of indivisible security, build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, and oppose the pursuit of one's own security at the cost of others' security; stay committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises, reject double standards, and oppose the wanton use of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction; stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains, and work together on regional disputes and global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and biosecurity.
-- We need to work together to tackle global governance challenges. Countries around the world are like passengers aboard the same ship who share the same destiny. For the ship to navigate the storm and sail toward a bright future, all passengers must pull together. The thought of throwing anyone overboard is simply not acceptable. In this day and age, the international community has evolved so much that it has become a sophisticated and integrated apparatus. Acts to remove any single part will cause serious problems to its operation. When that happens, both the victims and the initiators of such acts will stand to lose. In today's world, unilateralism and excessive pursuit of self-interest are doomed to fail; so are the practices of decoupling, supply disruption and maximum pressure; so are the attempts to forge "small circles" or to stoke conflict and confrontation along ideological lines. Instead, we need to embrace a global governance philosophy that emphasizes extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, promote the common values of humanity, and advocate exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations. We need to uphold true multilateralism, and firmly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law. It is particularly important for major countries to lead by example in honoring equality, cooperation, good faith and the rule of law, and act in a way befitting their status.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Having been through hot and cold wars, hardships and tribulations, people in Asia deeply cherish the value of peace and understand that development gains do not come easily. Over the past decades, Asia has enjoyed overall stability and sustained rapid growth, making possible the Asian Miracle. When Asia fares well, the whole world benefits. Therefore, we need to continue developing and strengthening Asia, demonstrate Asia's resilience, wisdom and strength, and make Asia an anchor for world peace, a powerhouse for global growth and a new pacesetter for international cooperation.
First, we should resolutely safeguard peace in Asia. Peace and stability in our region does not fall into our lap automatically or come as charity from any country. Rather, it is the result of the joint efforts of countries in the region. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, first advocated by Asia, are all the more relevant today. We should honor such principles as mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence, follow a policy of good-neighborliness and friendship, and make sure that we always keep our future in our own hands.
Second, we should vigorously advance Asian cooperation. Many Asian proverbs describe the value of solidarity and cooperation, such as "climb the hill together and go down the ravine together" and "sugarcane and lemongrass grow in dense clumps". Win-win cooperation is a sure path to Asian development. The entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the opening to traffic of the China-Laos railway have effectively boosted institutional and physical connectivity in our region. We should seize these opportunities to foster a more open Asia-wide market and make new strides in mutually beneficial cooperation.
Third, we should jointly promote Asian unity. Choosing dialogue and cooperation over zero-sum games, openness and inclusiveness over a closed-door and exclusive approach, and exchanges and mutual learning over a sense of superiority: this is the only choice worthy of the broad-mindedness of Asians. We should cement ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture, and uphold a regional order that balances the aspirations and accommodates the interests of all parties. Countries, no matter their size and strength, and both in and outside the region, should all add splendor rather than trouble to Asia. All should follow the path of peace and development, seek win-win cooperation, and contribute to an Asian family of unity and progress together.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Two months ago, China presented to the world a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, bringing warmth and hope to people across the globe. In the second half of this year, we will convene the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which will draw the blueprint for China's future development.
The fundamentals of the Chinese economy - its strong resilience, enormous potential, vast room for maneuver and long-term sustainability - remain unchanged. They will provide great dynamism for the stability and recovery of the world economy and broader market opportunities for all countries. China will fully apply its new development philosophy, accelerate the establishment of a new development paradigm, and redouble efforts for high-quality development. No matter how the world will change, China's faith in and its commitment to reform and opening-up will not waver. China will expand high-standard opening-up, fully implement the negative list for foreign investment, expand the encouraged catalogue for FDI, improve services for investment promotion, and add more cities to the comprehensive pilot program for service sector opening. China will take solid steps to develop its pilot free trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port, align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and move ahead with institutional opening-up. China will implement the RCEP in full, seek the conclusion of high-standard FTAs with more countries and regions, and actively work for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). China will press ahead with high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to make it high-standard, sustainable and people-centered. China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, and always be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Let me conclude with an old Chinese saying, "Keep walking and one will not be daunted by a thousand miles; make constant efforts and one will not be intimidated by a thousand tasks." As long as we join hands and never slacken in efforts, we will build great synergy through win-win cooperation, overcome the various challenges along the way, and usher in a brighter and better future for humanity.
Thank you.
The following is the full text of a speech delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics review and awards ceremony on April 8, 2022.
Speech at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics review and awards ceremony
April 8, 2022
Xi Jinping
Comrades and friends,
After seven years of arduous efforts, we have successfully hosted the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, drawing wide attention both at home and from abroad. By overcoming various difficulties, the Chinese people, along with people from around the world, have once again presented the Games that will go down in history and together shared the glory of Olympics.
Facts have proved again that the Chinese people not only have the willingness and determination to make contributions to advancing the Olympic movement and promoting solidarity and friendship among peoples across the world, but also have the ability and enthusiasm to make even greater contributions.
The success in hosting the Games is a result of the efforts and wisdom of people working in different fronts for the preparation and organization of the events. Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games worked closely with Beijing Municipal Government, Hebei Provincial Government, the General Administration of Sport, and the China Disabled Persons' Federation. All the builders, workers and volunteers, bearing in mind the trust of the Party and the people and driven by the aspirations to win glory for the country, worked tirelessly and dedicatedly in their respective posts, and many outstanding groups and individuals have stood out among them.
Today, we gather here to review the experience of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and honor those who have made exceptional contributions to the Games, with a view to carrying forward the lofty spirit fostered during the preparation and hosting of the Games and inspiring the entire Party and all the Chinese people to strive for the second centenary goal and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.
Comrades and friends,
We Chinese always mean what we say. It is the solemn promise that the Chinese people have made to the international community to ensure the delivery of safe and splendid Winter Olympics and Paralympics as scheduled.
Over the past seven years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, relevant departments, as well as provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities cooperated closely to overcome difficulties. Beijing and Zhangjiakou, the two host cities, deployed their best resources, and worked closely with global sports organizations, including the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee, to surmount challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and present the world with streamlined, safe and splendid Games. China has honored its solemn promise. Beijing has become the world's first "dual-Olympic city".
-- Splendid Games have drawn positive feedback from the international community.
The opening and closing ceremonies of the Games were captivating, with the theme of building a community with a shared future for mankind running throughout. Integrating the Chinese culture with ice and snow elements, the ceremonies demonstrated the beauty of nature, the beauty of humanity and the beauty of sport, and showcased the image of China as a trustworthy, loveable and admirable country in the new era. The three competition zones have won universal appraisal of participants for their first-rate venues and facilities, meticulous and professional organizational work, and thoughtful services. The Beijing 2022 Winter Games have attracted billions of viewers around the world, making it the most watched Winter Games ever.
-- Patriotism was fully manifested, gathering a momentum for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
The Chinese people have shown their high-spirited patriotism during the Games. All Chinese both at home and abroad have paid passionate attention to and provided strong support for these grand events. On the field, Chinese athletes have competed with others tenaciously and won glory for the country. Every time the national flag flied high, all the Chinese people felt honored.
A flag-bearer said: "I was full of pride when standing at the flag-raising platform. It reminded me of the hard-won prosperity of the motherland. Filled with a sense of pride and enthusiasm beyond expression, I burst into tears..."
The Chinese culture was reflected in a smart way at venues of the Games. Bing Dwen Dwen has a lively and honest personality. Shuey Rhon Rhon looks festive and auspicious. Atmosphere of the Spring Festival was everywhere. Chinese doubao or steamed red bean buns were delicious. The "Winter Games Dream" met with the "Chinese Dream".
Chinese ideas such as integration and harmony were fully exhibited at the opening and closing ceremonies in a creative and delicate way. To name only a few: the 24 solar terms, the water of the Yellow River, the Chinese knot, the guest-greeting pines, the willow twigs and the theme song titled The Snowflake...
Audience were deeply impressed by scenes with meaningful implications, such as the waltz performance participated by hearing-impaired performers, the sign-language national anthem, the singing by a choir of vision-impaired children and the cauldron lighting by a vision-impaired athlete. Such scenes also motivated the passion of the Chinese people both at home and abroad to get united and move forward.
-- The goal of involving 300 million people in ice and snow activities has come true, with people's sense of fulfillment being enhanced.
The preparation and hosting of the Games have pushed forward the leap-frog development of China's ice and snow sports, which have extended from the Northeast to cover people across the country. A new era of ice and snow sports in China and the world at large has unfolded.
Since the preparation of the Games started, we have built a large amount of high-quality venues and facilities for ice and snow sports, and held a series of ice and snow events participated by the general public. The public passion for these activities continued to rise with 346 million people having participated in winter sports activities. Ice and snow has become valuable assets for people to get rich and for rural revitalization.
The preparation and hosting of the Games have promoted the development of social undertakings across the board, better securing the human rights of the disabled and enriching the lives of the general public.
-- The Games have left a fruitful legacy, with the success of the Games promoting regional development.
The preparation and hosting of the Games have strongly boosted national development, particularly the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
We have taken the preparation and hosting of the Games as a leverage to promote the region's coordinated development.
Now the traffic across the region is more convenient and faster, the environment has been improved significantly, industries are linked more closely and the public services are delivered in a more equitable way.
Venues such as the National Speed Skating Oval, dubbed the "Ice Ribbon", the Big Air Shougang, dubbed the "Snow Flying Ribbon", the National Sliding Centre, dubbed the "Flying Snow Dragon" and the National Ski Jumping Centre, dubbed the "Snow Ruyi", have become high-quality assets that benefit the people.
-- The COVID-19 prevention and control is targeted and effective, ensuring the safe and smooth progress of the Games.
Against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic that rages across the world, we have put first the health of all participants, adhered to the policy of preventing imported cases and domestic resurgences, and strictly implemented the prevention and control measures. The health of people from all parties has been well safeguarded.
During the Games, only 0.45 percent of personnel under closed-loop management were tested positive for COVID-19. All of them have received effective treatment and were well cared for. No cluster of infections or spillover cases occurred and dynamic zero-COVID was maintained in cities.
China's COVID response policy has once again withstood the test, contributing useful experience for the world to fight against the virus and host major international events.
As some foreign athletes said, if there were a gold medal for responding to the pandemic, then China would deserve it. I would say that this gold medal belongs to all the staff involved in hosting the Games.
-- Moving forward with solidarity and cooperation, China has contributed its share to the humankind's efforts in overcoming challenges.
The Olympics bear the humanity's pursuit of peace, unity and progress. Against the backdrop of rapid global changes unseen in a century and multiple challenges faced by the human society, members of the Olympic family traveled all the way to China and joined the grand events. With solidarity and cordiality, our "circle of friends" and "group of partners" have kept expanding. Foreign athletes were loath to go when they left China. Some of them said: "I'm gonna cry on the plane, I'm gonna sob, love you." "I will definitely bring home the best Winter Olympics memory in my life."
The success of the Games has prompted exchanges between cultures, and played a key role in promoting solidarity, cooperation and joint efforts to overcome difficulties globally. It has also brought confidence and hope to a world overshadowed by instability, and sent the world a message of our times -- Together for a Shared Future.
Comrades and friends,
The glory of the Games is built on seven years of arduous endeavors. The Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics were prepared and hosted under great difficulties. Upholding the spirit of "never stop, never make a single mistake and never miss a day's work", all participants have made painstaking efforts.
-- The builders have built marvelous, world-class venues and facilities with craftsmanship.
-- The organizers have organized the events meticulously and professionally to create favorable conditions for athletic competition.
-- The supporting staff have provided warm and attentive services, working long hours to ensure that all contestants feel at home.
-- The medical and epidemic control staff have created unbreakable walls of protection to safeguard everyone's health.
-- The security team has guarded every corner of cities carefully to guarantee the smooth running of both the Games and cities with the highest standards.
-- Members of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF), the public security police and the fire and rescue services have undertaken urgent, difficult, dangerous and arduous tasks, and completed their security-related missions successfully.
-- Those from the fields of art and literature, science and technology, designing, the media, foreign affairs, meteorology, as well as all other fronts, have stood fast at their posts in full solidarity and cooperation, made their own contributions and accomplished their tasks.
-- The volunteers offered warm services with their youthful vigor and dedication, showing the vibrant and energetic image of the Chinese youth to the world.
-- The tens of thousands of workers inside the closed loop stayed away from their families and stuck to their posts for months; their spirit and sense of responsibility has warmed our hearts. Some said affectionately: "To ensure the success of the Games, we will overcome whatever difficulties that may arise, and all our dedication has been worthwhile."
The motherland and the people are proud of all their hard work and outstanding achievements.
In the past seven years, our athletes and coaches bore in mind the expectations of the Party and the people, raced against time and trained hard. At the Winter Games, they competed bravely, performed beyond their limits and completed their tasks successfully. For the first time, the Chinese sports delegation has participated in all the disciplines and tallied nine golds and 15 medals at the Winter Olympics, and 18 golds and 61 medals at the Winter Paralympics, achieving our country's best-ever results at the Winter Games.
With concrete actions, our athletes and coaches also fulfilled the requirements of winning the competition in sports ethics, sportsmanship and integrity. They demonstrated the Olympic spirit and China's sporting spirit, achieved successes in both sports competition and sports ethics, and got a lot of credit for the Party and the people.
Driven by a strong sense of responsibility, mission and honor, participants in the Games have accomplished all the tasks outstandingly with their hard work, perseverance and courage. They have made achievements worthy of our motherland, our people and our times.
On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the awarded groups and individuals. I would like to offer my highest salutations to all the builders, workers and volunteers, to all the athletes and coaches, and to members of the PLA, the PAPF, the public security police and the fire and rescue services. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the people of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as the overseas Chinese, who have supported the Games enthusiastically.
During the preparations, the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee and members of the Olympic and Paralympic families helped a lot with our work. Governments and people of many countries and international friends provided us with great support. Leaders of many countries and international organizations arrived in China to attend relevant events in person. Athletes from all over the world respected and encouraged each other during the competitions and exceeded the limit of their endurance. They perfectly substantiated the Olympic motto "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together" and the Paralympic values "Courage, Determination, Inspiration and Equality." The Games are grand events that feature peace, friendship, unity and cooperation and inspire the world.
At this point, on behalf of the Chinese government and over 1.4 billion Chinese people, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, members of the Olympic and Paralympic families and friends from countries and regions around the world. I would like to pay high tribute to athletes from all participating countries and regions who courageously strived for the best during the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Comrades and friends,
Achievements are from hard work and victory does not come easily. Reviewing the seven-year extraordinary process of preparation and hosting of the Games, we have harvested not only the joy of success, but also abundant intellectual wealth and valuable experience, which are worthy cherishing and carrying forward.
First, we have upheld the Party's centralized, unified leadership. Attaching great importance to the Games, the CPC Central Committee established a leading group to coordinate all forces at the national level and push forward the preparation work. At the beginning of the preparations, the CPC Central Committee made it clear that the Games would be green, inclusive, open and clean. Facing the grave and complex global COVID-19 pandemic, based on the comprehensive analysis of situations both in and outside China, particularly the impact of the pandemic, the CPC Central Committee put forward the judicious judgment that "the success means to run the Games smoothly," and stated that the Games should be streamlined, safe and splendid. Staying true to the Party's founding mission, many Party members and officials fulfilled their commitment to carrying out urgent, difficult, dangerous and arduous tasks in the frontline with concrete actions. All the facts have proved that the CPC is the most reliable backbone for us to ensure great achievements. As long as we unswervingly uphold the Party's leadership, we will definitely overcome all difficulties and obstacles that we meet and ensure every success in our future work.
Second, we have pooled all resources to accomplish major tasks. The preparation for the Games is complicated and systematic. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the leading group for the Games and 18 other special agencies jointly put up the pillars to support the preparation work. The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games and the governments of Beijing Municipality and Hebei Province cooperated closely with all sides including central departments, authorities of all relevant provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, the PLA, the PAPF, enterprises and higher learning institutions to overcome difficulties. People from all walks of life also participated in the preparations enthusiastically.
All those factors helped complete the preparation work at all stages. When the Games were being held, a three-level working mechanism featuring strategic command, command of operation and venue operation coordinated all forces to form synergy for hosting the Games. The socialism in China with extraordinary capabilities of organization, coordination and implementation, as well as our country's solid economic and technological strength and composite national strength gave us tremendous confidence and laid a solid foundation for the success of the Games.
Third, we proactively prevented and addressed risks and challenges. When the world was witnessing combined impacts of profound changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic, hosting the Winter Olympics and Paralympics faced unprecedented risks and challenges. We kept in mind the worst scenarios, adhered to a problem-oriented approach, stayed alert against potential dangers, and gave high priority to preempting and defusing risks and challenges. Having fully assessed difficulties and risks, we took the initiative to adopt a proactive strategy.
We sorted out risks in all fields in an all-round way, and established a regular working mechanism. We constantly identified problems, studied and solved them in time, and responded to them actively and properly, thus ensuring the safe and smooth running of the Games.
Fourth, we combined hosting the Games with serving the people and promoting development. The success of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics is not only the success of sports. The preparation and hosting of the Games have also stimulated development in various areas and brought about far-reaching positive impact on economic growth and social progress.
We have been committed to the principle that the people share the fruits of the Games. We have strengthened national fitness campaigns through the promotion and popularization of ice and snow sports, helped to lift people out of poverty through development of industries, and improved people's lives by providing better public services. The people now enjoy better physical and mental health, better employment and better life, which points to the fact that common participation and joint efforts have resulted in shared development.
A Beijing citizen participating in the performance in the closing ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics said: "We are all ordinary people. Our participation in such a performance shows that the Chinese people have stood up, and that China has become strong."
Comrades and friends,
A great cause nurtures a great spirit, and a great spirit promotes a great cause. The participants in the Games cherished the opportunity presented by the great era, and in the process of bidding, organizing and hosting the Games, they have created the spirit of bearing in mind the big picture, being confident and open, rising to the challenges, pursuing excellence, and creating a better future together.
Bearing in mind the big picture means to have the motherland in mind and aim high. They regarded the preparation and hosting of the Games as one of the country's most fundamental interests. They saw it as the duty to win glory for the country and as the honor to make contributions to the country. They had the courage to shoulder responsibilities, united and fought hard for the motherland and the people.
Being confident and open means to be inclusive. They remained confident in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. They passed on the country's profound cultural heritage by innovative transformation and development. They substantiated the country's time-honored civilization through simple manners and in simple words. They showed the sincerity and friendliness of the Chinese people with hospitality. They promoted mutual understanding and friendship among different peoples through exchanges.
Rising to the challenges means to work hard with perseverance. They kept the high morale while knowing the burdens ahead heavy but still facing challenges, overcame difficulties and risks, and forged ahead.
Pursuing excellence means perseverance, dedication and meticulousness. They stuck to the highest possible standards and requirements, refined every plan and measure, sought perfection through rehearsals, and achieved breakthroughs and miracles one after another.
Creating a better future together means coordination, interaction and cooperation. Aligning the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic motto "Together for a Shared Future" with the new Olympic motto "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together", they kept themselves future-oriented with a global vision, and called on all members on Earth to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Comrades and friends,
It took us seven years to ensure a success in hosting the Games, and now we have prepared ourselves well for the next stage. The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics are an important landmark event China held at a crucial moment as the whole Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups started the new journey toward the second centenary goal of building a modern socialist country in all respects. We should make plans proactively and work hard persistently to make the most of the legacy of the Games.
The Games have left us not only venues and facilities, but also cultural heritage and human resources, all of which are valuable assets we must make full use of and make them new drivers for development. This legacy must be used to the utmost.
We will continue to make ice and snow sports more popular by strengthening strategic planning while building and making better use of sports venues and facilities. We will develop the winter economy and hold a wide range of ice and snow sports events to help maintain the general public's enthusiasm for these sports.
We will fully tap cultural resources from the Games to bolster confidence in our own culture and make China's voice heard globally and tell China's stories well.
We will carry forward the spirit of humanitarianism, respect and safeguard human rights, and improve social security systems and the system for supporting and caring for people with disabilities. We will promote all-round development of programs for people with disabilities, and encourage and support them in seeking self-reliance. Just as a vision-impaired athlete said at the Games: "I cannot see the world, but I want the world to see me."
We will promote throughout society the spirit of volunteers featuring contribution, friendship, mutual support and progress and allow full play to the active role of volunteers, to facilitate social progress.
We will carry forward the Olympic spirit, ensure the Olympic Games play an important role in promoting peace and development, and offer more Chinese wisdom and Chinese strength to the progress of human civilization.
Our success in hosting the Games has greatly inspired hundreds of millions of people's enthusiasm for sports and energized China's sports development. We must aim at building up people's physique, improving their physical health and raising their living standards, and fully leverage the important role of sports in advancing people's well-rounded development. We will continue to promote reform and innovation in sports and enhance development and research in sports science and technology. We will improve the public fitness programs and raise awareness of sports and fitness among our people, the young people in particular. We will promote the country's overall strength and competitiveness in international competitive sports, and step up efforts to build China into a country strong on sports.
Comrades and friends,
We have realized our dream of hosting Winter Olympics and Paralympics and moved on together for a brighter future. Let us more closely rally around the CPC Central Committee, carry forward the spirit of the Games, and forge ahead more confidently and more determinedly toward the second centenary goal and toward the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.
Full Text: Toast by Xi at welcoming banquet of Winter Games
BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a banquet at the Great Hall of the People Saturday noon to welcome distinguished guests from around the world who attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.
Following is the full text of the toast by President Xi:
Toast by H.E. Xi Jinping
President of the People's Republic of China
At the Welcoming Banquet of
The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022
5 February 2022
IOC President Thomas Bach,
Dear Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to meet so many old and new friends in Beijing as the Chinese people celebrate the Spring Festival, the start of the lunar new year. Let me begin by extending, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in the name of my wife and myself, a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests travelling to China and attending the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. I sincerely thank all governments, peoples and international organizations that care about and support the Beijing Olympic Winter Games. In particular, I wish to express my appreciation to all the friends present here who have overcome difficulties and inconveniences caused by COVID-19 and come all the way to Beijing to cheer for the Olympic Winter Games and for China.
Last night, the Beijing Olympic Winter Games officially opened at China's National Stadium. After 14 years, the Olympic cauldron has been lit once again in Beijing, making the city the world's first to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Committed to organizing a green, inclusive, open and clean Games, China has made every effort to counter the impact of COVID-19, earnestly fulfilled its solemn pledge to the international community, and ensured the smooth opening of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games as scheduled.
Greater public participation in winter sport contributes to the Olympic Movement. By preparing for and organizing the Olympic Winter Games and promoting Olympic winter sport, China has popularized winter sport among the ordinary people, achieved the goal of engaging 300 million Chinese in sport on snow and ice, and made new contribution to the cause of Olympism worldwide.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Since ancient times, the Olympic Movement has carried humanity's aspirations for peace, solidarity and progress.
- We shall keep in mind the original aspiration of the Olympic Movement and jointly uphold world peace. The Olympic Movement was born for the sake of peace and has thrived thanks to peace. The Olympic Truce Resolution adopted last December by consensus at the United Nations General Assembly, calling for promoting peace through sport, represents the common aspiration of the international community. We need to uphold mutual respect, equality, dialogue and consultation, strive to bridge differences and eliminate conflict, and work together for a world of durable peace.
- We shall promote the spirit of the Olympic Movement and meet the common challenges facing the international community through solidarity. The COVID-19 pandemic is still raging, while global issues including climate change and terrorism keep emerging. The international community should stand closer together. The only way for all countries to address the various challenges effectively is to strengthen solidarity and cooperation and work together for a shared future. We need to practice true multilateralism, uphold the international system centered on the United Nations and the international order underpinned by international law, and work together to build an international family of harmony and cooperation.
- We shall act on the purpose of the Olympic Movement and continuously pursue human progress. The Olympic Movement aims to achieve well-rounded human development. We need to follow the trend of the times, stay true to humanity's common values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, promote exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
To borrow a Chinese poetic line, "Out goes the old year with the sound of firecrackers; in comes the new with the warmth of wine and spring breeze." China has just entered the Year of the Tiger according to the lunar calendar. Tiger is a symbol of strength, courage and fearlessness. I wish all Olympic athletes excellent performance with the strength of the tiger. I am confident that with the joint efforts of us all, Beijing 2022 will surely go down in history as a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympic Games.
To conclude, I propose a toast:
To the dynamic development of the Olympic Movement;
To humanity's noble cause of peace and development; and
To the health of all distinguished guests and your families.
Cheers!
Full Text: Address by Xi at 2022 World Economic Forum Virtual Session
BEIJING - President Xi Jinping on Monday delivered a special address to the 2022 World Economic Forum virtual session.
Following is the full text of the address:
Forge Ahead with Confidence and Fortitude to Jointly Create a Better Post-COVID World
Special Address by H.E. Xi Jinping
President of the People's Republic of China
At the 2022 World Economic Forum Virtual Session
17 January 2022
Professor Klaus Schwab,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Greetings to you all! It is my pleasure to attend this virtual session of the World Economic Forum.
In two weeks' time, China will celebrate the advent of spring in the lunar new year, the Year of the Tiger. In Chinese culture, tiger symbolizes bravery and strength, as the Chinese people often refer to spirited dragon and dynamic tiger, or soaring dragon and leaping tiger. To meet the severe challenges facing humanity, we must "add wings to the tiger" and act with the courage and strength of the tiger to overcome all obstacles on our way forward. We must do everything necessary to clear the shadow of the pandemic and boost economic and social recovery and development, so that the sunshine of hope may light up the future of humanity.
The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century. These changes, not limited to a particular moment, event, country or region, represent the profound and sweeping changes of our times. As changes of the times combine with the once-in-a-century pandemic, the world finds itself in a new period of turbulence and transformation. How to beat the pandemic and how to build the post-COVID world? These are major issues of common concern to people around the world. They are also major, urgent questions we must give answers to.
As a Chinese saying goes, "The momentum of the world either flourishes or declines; the state of the world either progresses or regresses." The world is always developing through the movement of contradictions; without contradiction, nothing would exist. The history of humanity is a history of achieving growth by meeting various tests and of developing by overcoming various crises. We need to move forward by following the logic of historical progress, and develop by riding the tide of development of our times.
Notwithstanding all vicissitudes, humanity will move on. We need to learn from comparing long history cycles, and see the change in things through the subtle and minute. We need to foster new opportunities amidst crises, open up new horizons on a shifting landscape, and pool great strength to go through difficulties and challenges.
First, we need to embrace cooperation and jointly defeat the pandemic. Confronted by the once-in-a-century pandemic, which will affect the future of humanity, the international community has fought a tenacious battle. Facts have shown once again that amidst the raging torrents of a global crisis, countries are not riding separately in some 190 small boats, but are rather all in a giant ship on which our shared destiny hinges. Small boats may not survive a storm, but a giant ship is strong enough to brave a storm. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the international community, major progress has been made in the global fight against the pandemic. That said, the pandemic is proving a protracted one, resurging with more variants and spreading faster than before. It poses a serious threat to people's safety and health, and exerts a profound impact on the global economy.
Strong confidence and cooperation represent the only right way to defeat the pandemic. Holding each other back or shifting blame would only cause needless delay in response and distract us from the overall objective. Countries need to strengthen international cooperation against COVID-19, carry out active cooperation on research and development of medicines, jointly build multiple lines of defense against the coronavirus, and speed up efforts to build a global community of health for all. Of particular importance is to fully leverage vaccines as a powerful weapon, ensure their equitable distribution, quicken vaccination and close the global immunization gap, so as to truly safeguard people's lives, health and livelihoods.
China is a country that delivers on its promises. China has already sent over two billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations. Still, China will provide another one billion doses to African countries, including 600 million doses as donation, and will also donate 150 million doses to ASEAN countries.
Second, we need to resolve various risks and promote steady recovery of the world economy. The world economy is emerging from the depths, yet it still faces many constraints. The global industrial and supply chains have been disrupted. Commodity prices continue to rise. Energy supply remains tight. These risks compound one another and heighten the uncertainty about economic recovery. The global low inflation environment has notably changed, and the risks of inflation driven by multiple factors are surfacing. If major economies slam on the brakes or take a U-turn in their monetary policies, there would be serious negative spillovers. They would present challenges to global economic and financial stability, and developing countries would bear the brunt of it. In the context of ongoing COVID-19 response, we need to explore new drivers of economic growth, new modes of social life and new pathways for people-to-people exchange, in a bid to facilitate cross-border trade, keep industrial and supply chains secure and smooth, and promote steady and solid progress in global economic recovery.
Economic globalization is the trend of the times. Though countercurrents are sure to exist in a river, none could stop it from flowing to the sea. Driving forces bolster the river's momentum, and resistance may yet enhance its flow. Despite the countercurrents and dangerous shoals along the way, economic globalization has never and will not veer off course. Countries around the world should uphold true multilateralism. We should remove barriers, not erect walls. We should open up, not close off. We should seek integration, not decoupling. This is the way to build an open world economy. We should guide reforms of the global governance system with the principle of fairness and justice, and uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its center. We should make generally acceptable and effective rules for artificial intelligence and digital economy on the basis of full consultation, and create an open, just and non-discriminatory environment for scientific and technological innovation. This is the way to make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all, and to fully unleash the vitality of the world economy.
A common understanding among us is that to turn the world economy from crisis to recovery, it is imperative to strengthen macro-policy coordination. Major economies should see the world as one community, think in a more systematic way, increase policy transparency and information sharing, and coordinate the objectives, intensity and pace of fiscal and monetary policies, so as to prevent the world economy from plummeting again. Major developed countries should adopt responsible economic policies, manage policy spillovers, and avoid severe impacts on developing countries. International economic and financial institutions should play their constructive role to pool global consensus, enhance policy synergy and prevent systemic risks.
Third, we need to bridge the development divide and revitalize global development. The process of global development is suffering from severe disruption, entailing more outstanding problems like a widening North-South gap, divergent recovery trajectories, development fault-lines and a technological divide. The Human Development Index has declined for the first time in 30 years. The world's poor population has increased by more than 100 million. Nearly 800 million people live in hunger. Difficulties are mounting in food security, education, employment, medicine, health and other areas important to people's livelihoods. Some developing countries have fallen back into poverty and instability due to the pandemic. Many in developed countries are also living through a hard time.
No matter what difficulties may come our way, we must adhere to a people-centered philosophy of development, place development and livelihoods front and center in global macro-policies, realize the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and build greater synergy among existing mechanisms of development cooperation to promote balanced development worldwide. We need to uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, promote international cooperation on climate change in the context of development, and implement the outcomes of COP26 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Developed economies should take the lead in honoring their emissions reduction responsibilities, deliver on their commitment of financial and technological support, and create the necessary conditions for developing countries to address climate change and achieve sustainable development.
Last year, I put forward a Global Development Initiative at the UN General Assembly to draw international attention to the pressing challenges faced by developing countries. The Initiative is a public good open to the whole world, which aims to form synergy with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and boost common development across the world. China stands ready to work with all partners to jointly translate the Initiative into concrete actions and make sure that no country is left behind in this process.
Fourth, we need to discard Cold War mentality and seek peaceful coexistence and win-win outcomes. Our world today is far from being tranquil; rhetorics that stoke hatred and prejudice abound. Acts of containment, suppression or confrontation arising thereof do all harm, not the least good, to world peace and security. History has proved time and again that confrontation does not solve problems; it only invites catastrophic consequences. Protectionism and unilateralism can protect no one; they ultimately hurt the interests of others as well as one's own. Even worse are the practices of hegemony and bullying, which run counter to the tide of history. Naturally, countries have divergences and disagreements between them. Yet a zero-sum approach that enlarges one's own gain at the expense of others will not help. Acts of single-mindedly building "exclusive yards with high walls" or "parallel systems", of enthusiastically putting together exclusive small circles or blocs that polarize the world, of overstretching the concept of national security to hold back economic and technological advances of other countries, and of fanning ideological antagonism and politicizing or weaponizing economic, scientific and technological issues, will gravely undercut international efforts to tackle common challenges.
The right way forward for humanity is peaceful development and win-win cooperation. Different countries and civilizations may prosper together on the basis of respect for each other, and seek common ground and win-win outcomes by setting aside differences.
We should follow the trend of history, work for a stable international order, advocate common values of humanity, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. We should choose dialogue over confrontation, inclusiveness over exclusion, and stand against all forms of unilateralism, protectionism, hegemony or power politics.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Last year, the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding. Through a century of tenacious struggle, the CPC has rallied and led the Chinese people in accomplishing remarkable achievements in the advancement of the nation and betterment of people's lives. We have realized a moderately prosperous society in all respects and won the battle against poverty, both according to plan, and found a historic solution to ending absolute poverty. Now, China is marching on a new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects.
-- China will stay committed to pursuing high-quality development. The Chinese economy enjoys a good momentum overall. Last year, our GDP grew by around eight percent, achieving the dual target of fairly high growth and relatively low inflation. Shifts in the domestic and international economic environment have brought tremendous pressure, but the fundamentals of the Chinese economy, characterized by strong resilience, enormous potential and long-term sustainability, remain unchanged. We have every confidence in the future of China's economy.
"The wealth of a country is measured by the abundance of its people." Thanks to considerable economic growth, the Chinese people are living much better lives. Nonetheless, we are soberly aware that to meet people's aspiration for an even better life, we still have much hard work to do in the long run. China has made it clear that we strive for more visible and substantive progress in the well-rounded development of individuals and the common prosperity of the entire population. We are working hard on all fronts to deliver this goal. The common prosperity we desire is not egalitarianism. To use an analogy, we will first make the pie bigger, and then divide it properly through reasonable institutional arrangements. As a rising tide lifts all boats, everyone will get a fair share from development, and development gains will benefit all our people in a more substantial and equitable way.
-- China will stay committed to reform and opening-up. For China, reform and opening-up is always a work in process. Whatever change in the international landscape, China will always hold high the banner of reform and opening-up. China will continue to let the market play a decisive role in resource allocation, and see to it that the government better plays its role. We will be steadfast in consolidating and developing the public sector, just as we are steadfast in encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-public sector. We will build a unified, open, competitive and orderly market system, where all businesses enjoy equal status before the law and have equal opportunities in the marketplace. All types of capital are welcome to operate in China in compliance with laws and regulations, and play a positive role for the development of the country. China will continue to expand high-standard opening-up, steadily advance institutional opening-up that covers rules, management and standards, deliver national treatment for foreign businesses, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. With the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) on 1 January this year, China will faithfully fulfill its obligations and deepen economic and trade ties with other RCEP parties. China will also continue to work for the joining of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), with a view to further integrating into the regional and global economy and achieving mutual benefit and win-win results.
-- China will stay committed to promoting ecological conservation. As I have said many times, we should never grow the economy at the cost of resource depletion and environmental degradation, which is like draining a pond to get fish; nor should we sacrifice growth to protect the environment, which is like climbing a tree to catch fish. Guided by our philosophy that clean waters and green mountains are just as valuable as gold and silver, China has carried out holistic conservation and systematic governance of its mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts. We do everything we can to conserve the ecological system, intensify pollution prevention and control, and improve the living and working environment for our people. China is now putting in place the world's largest national parks system. Last year, we successfully hosted COP15 to the Convention on Biological Diversity, contributing China's share to a clean and beautiful world.
Achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality are the intrinsic requirements of China's own high-quality development and a solemn pledge to the international community. China will honor its word and keep working toward its goal. We have unveiled an Action Plan for Carbon Dioxide Peaking Before 2030, to be followed by implementation plans for specific sectors such as energy, industry and construction. China now has the world's biggest carbon market and biggest clean power generation system: the installed capacity of renewable energy has exceeded one billion kilowatts, and the construction of wind and photovoltaic power stations with a total installed capacity of 100 million kilowatts is well under way. Carbon peak and carbon neutrality cannot be realized overnight. Through solid and steady steps, China will pursue an orderly phase-down of traditional energy in the course of finding reliable substitution in new energy. This approach, which combines phasing out the old and bringing in the new, will ensure steady economic and social development. China will also actively engage in international cooperation on climate and jointly work for a complete transition to a greener economy and society.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Davos is known as a heaven for winter sports. The Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will open soon. We are confident that China will present a streamlined, safe and splendid Games to the world. The official motto for Beijing 2022 is "Together for a Shared Future". Indeed, let us join hands with full confidence, and work together for a shared future.
Thank you.
Full text: 2022 New Year address by President Xi Jinping
BEIJING - On New Year's eve, President Xi Jinping delivered his 2022 New Year Address through China Media Group and the Internet. The following is the full text of the address:
My greetings to you all. The year 2022 is approaching. From Beijing, I extend New Year wishes to all of you!
The past year has been a year of exceptional significance. We have lived through landmark events in the history of our Party and our country. At the historical convergence of the Two Centenary Goals, we have set out on a new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects and are making confident strides on the path toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
From the beginning to the end of the year, the Chinese people have been hard at work in the fields, enterprises, communities, schools, hospitals, barracks and research institutes, among other places. Throughout the year, we have put in our efforts, contributed our part, and received much in return. In the passage of time, we have seen and experienced a resilient and dynamic China, a country with its amicable and respectable people, a country developing rapidly with each passing day, and a country making continual progress in all its undertakings.
On July 1, we solemnly celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Standing on the Tian'anmen Rostrum, one could only marvel at the extraordinary journey traveled by this major Party, a journey of Chinese Communists leading the Chinese people, in their hundreds of millions, in an unyielding struggle against all obstacles and challenges, and scoring spectacular, epoch-making achievements over the past century. To accomplish our great mission, we must always remain true to our original aspiration. Only through vigorous and determined endeavor can we fulfill our responsibility to history, prove worthy of our times and live up to people's expectations.
The sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee has adopted the Party's third resolution on historical issues. The CPC's 100-year achievements provide a source of motivation and its 100-year experience a wellspring of inspiration. I have referred to Chairman Mao's conversation with Mr. Huang Yanpei at his cave-dwelling in Yan'an, and the importance of carrying out bold self-revolution so as to gain the historical initiative. To realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will be no easy task like a walk in the park; it will not happen overnight, or through sheer fanfare. We must always keep a long-term perspective, remain mindful of potential risks, maintain strategic focus and determination, and "attain to the broad and great while addressing the delicate and minute".
Our country, big as it is, also has its list of priorities. The myriad of things we attend to all boil down to matters concerning every household. Through my field trips to different places, I have seen and heard a lot of things which I find very inspiring and rewarding. Every time I visit people in their homes, I would ask if they have any more difficulties, and I would remember everything my folks have to share with me.
The concerns of the people are what I always care about, and the aspirations of the people are what I always strive for. Having worked in the countryside myself, I know precisely what poverty feels like. Thanks to the sustained efforts of the Chinese people from generation to generation, those who once lived in poverty no longer have to worry about food or clothing, or access to education, housing and medical insurance. Realization of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and elimination of extreme poverty is what the CPC has delivered to our people, and it is also a contribution to the world. To ensure that everyone leads a better life, we must never rest on what we have achieved, and there is still a long way to go.
A Yellow River well harnessed is a millennia-long aspiration of the Chinese people. Over the past few years, I have visited all nine provinces or autonomous regions on the upper, middle and lower streams of the Yellow River. From the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, two "mother rivers" of the Chinese nation, to the limpid Qinghai Lake and the mighty Yarlung Zangbo River; from the South-North Water Diversion, known as a project of the century, to the Saihanba forest, shown as a patch of green on the map; from the northward trek and homecoming of elephants in Yunnan Province, to the migration and return of Tibetan antelopes -- all these remind us that "If we do not fail Nature, Nature shall never fail us".
This year has also recorded many memorable Chinese voices, Chinese moments and Chinese stories: youthful vows of "pledging to the Party to make my country strong"; affectionate expression of "pure, true love saved for the motherland"; the Zhurong rover probing Mars, the Xihe satellite chasing the sun, and the Tianhe space station core module traveling among the stars; athletes outdoing themselves to excel on the sports field; the whole nation staying united in solid COVID-19 response; people in disaster-stricken areas standing together to rebuild their homes; members of the People's Liberation Army and Armed Police devoted to building a strong military and protecting our country. The hard work and dedication of countless unsung heroes have all added to the great momentum of China's march forward in the new era.
The prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao is always close to the heart of the motherland. Only with unity and concerted efforts can we ensure sound implementation of One Country, Two Systems in the long run. The complete reunification of our motherland is an aspiration shared by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. I sincerely hope that all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation will join forces to create a brighter future for our nation.
In my phone calls and virtual meetings with foreign leaders and heads of international organizations, I have heard many times plaudits for China's fight against COVID-19 and contribution to the global COVID response. To date, China has provided two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations. Only through unity, solidarity and cooperation can countries around the world write a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for mankind.
In just over a month, the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will open. Greater public involvement in winter sports also contributes to the Olympic Movement. We will spare no effort to present a great Games to the world. The world is turning its eyes to China, and China is ready.
The bell is about to ring for the New Year. As we speak, three Chinese astronauts are on duty in outer space; our fellow compatriots overseas are still working very hard; our people posted to diplomatic missions and businesses abroad as well as overseas Chinese students are bravely holding on; and our numerous dream-chasers are keeping up their good work. I salute all your great efforts, and extend to you best wishes for the New Year.
Let us all work together for a shared future. May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in peace and harmony!
