Toast by H.E. Zhang Jiuhuan, Chinese Ambassador on the Reception in Celebration of the 52nd Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China

September 30, 2001

Honorable Minister Lim Boon Heng,
Member of Parliament Mr. Loh Meng See and Mr. Chng Hee Kok,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear friends:

My wife and I are very honored to host this reception, to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. It is such a pleasure to meet and make friends here. Please accept my warm welcome and heartfelt thanks.
In the past 52 years, especially during the reform and opening-up period, the Chinese people made hard and joint efforts to make their country prosperous and strong, which led to tremendous changes in China. China's comprehensive national strength is growing, its people's living standard is lifted. The Socialism with Chinese characteristics is moving forward with vigor and vitality.
The Chinese economy continues to grow at fast speed and in a healthy way; Beijing won the bid to the 2008 Olympics; China will soon join the World Trade Organization. All these will serve to deepen China's reform and open China wider, to all dimensions, at all levels and in all areas. This, in the end, will give new impetus to the Asian economy and that of the world.
Over the 11 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore, our two countries have enjoyed a harmonious relationship and full-range exchanges and cooperation in all fields. Our governments and our peoples are happy with it. In the first year of the new century, the frequent exchange of visits continues at high level. Only a week ago, President Nathan finished his first state visit to China with great success, which opens a new chapter in the development of bilateral relations.
Ladies and gentlemen,
While globalization surges ahead, the world economy is slowing down. Against this complex background, China, by enforcing its strategy of developing its western region and advancing its accession to WTO, poses new opportunities and broader prospect for its cooperation with Singapore. Our relations will be able to mount a new height as long as we continue cooperation, not only in traditional fields but also in new areas such as knowledge-economy, high technology and talent exchanges.
Therefore, looking to the world and the future, we have full confidence in China, and we share full confidence in China-Singapore relations. The people and the government of China are ready to work with the people and the government of Singapore to bring our friendship to a brighter future.