Distinguished guests, dear friends,

We gather here today to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and the 35th anniversary of establishment of China-Latvia diplomatic relations. I would like to extend a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to all of you for your attendance! 

First of all, on behalf of our Embassy, I would like to express sincere condolences to the Latvian families of the missing in the mudslide struck the China-Nepal border. Last week, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže on this matter. Minister Wang said that China treats Chinese and foreign nationals equally and has made every effort to carry out rescue operations. The sudden natural disaster was ruthless, but people are compassionate. We will make the greatest efforts to continue searching for the missing Latvians and other foreign nationals and properly handle follow-up matters. This mudslide was caused by a glacier collapse. This summer, Europe and China also experienced extreme weather such as heatwaves and floods, once again reminding us that climate change is a common challenge testing all humanity that we need to join hands to address.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This year marks the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. The Chinese people, in continuous efforts, have created two miracles of long-term social stability and rapid economic development. Through high-quality development and high-standard opening-up, China is advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts. In the first half of this year, China's GDP grew by 4.7% year on year. And in the first eight months, the total value of China's imports and exports of goods reached roughly 4.52 trillion euros, increasing 17.6% year-on-year, with import growth far outpacing export growth. China is accelerating on frontier technology development such as artificial intelligence and new energy. Now, three out of every four electric vehicles in the world are produced in China, and two out of every three traction batteries come from China. Annual token consumption is a major indicator of AI development, and this year the token consumption in China will reach 100 quadrillion. 

China never subscribes to the logic that “great power is bound to seek hegemony”, but pursues a world that lives in harmony and solidarity. China’s development represents the growth of forces for peace, the strengthening of factors for stability, and the guarantee of prosperity and development. It provides the greatest certainty for the world and delivers tangible benefits to people of all countries. China and Europe hold a pivotal place in the global political and economic landscapes. Stronger dialogue and cooperation between the two sides can lift up both sides and make for a better world. Both history and reality prove that China and Europe are partners, not rivals. The interests of the two sides are deeply interwoven, and they share the same or similar positions on many major issues. The two sides should keep to partnership as the defining feature of bilateral relations, review and handle specific issues arising from the development of relations within this framework, avoid politicizing economic and trade issues and securitizing exchanges, promote and work for the long-term, steady development of China-Europe relations. 

This year also marks the first anniversary of China’s proposal of the Global Governance Initiative, or GGI. Its five core concepts, namely, sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real actions, are pursued by both China and Europe. China stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Europe, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and make positive contributions to world peace, stability and prosperity.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of China-Latvia diplomatic relations. In September 1991, the two countries established the diplomatic ties based on the one-China principle. China was one of the first countries to recognize Latvia’s restoration of independence. During the past 35 years, the two countries have always treated each other as equals, respected each other. Although sometimes encountering headwinds, the bilateral relations have kept forging ahead through the waves. Last year, China supported Latvia's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, continued its unilateral visa-free policy for Latvia, and remained Latvia's largest trading partner outside Europe. 

In my 2024 National Day reception address, I shared a Latvian proverb: “Draudzība ir dārgāka par zeltu.” Last year, I quoted a Chinese saying: “When friendship is built on a shared path, friends a thousand miles apart remain close.” Since the day after tomorrow is China’s traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, which shares a similar spirit with Latvia’s Līgo Festival, both symbolizing family happiness, peace and prosperity, I would like to share with you a line from a Mid-Autumn poem: “As the bright moon rises over the sea, we share this moment around the globe.” Standing at a new starting point marking the 35th anniversary, we share the future and let us join hands to create an even better tomorrow! 

Now, please join me in a toast,

For the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China,

For the 35th anniversary of the establishment of China-Latvia diplomatic relations,

For a better world,

Ganbei! Prieka!