Distinguished Guests, My Dear Friends

Distinguished guests, my dear friends,

Welcome to today’s reception!

In a few days, the Chinese people will celebrate the 67th birthday of the People’s Republic of China. On October 1, 1949, a New China was born after more than a hundred years’ of humiliation and foreign aggression. That day unveiled a new chapter in Chinese history. With hundreds of millions of people being lifted out of poverty and leading a better life, China has made one of the greatest achievements in human history.

IMF data shows China’s GDP per capita world ranking jumps from 134 in 1980 to 76 last year. The latest UNDP Human Development Index concludes that China has stepped into the group of countries with high-levels of human development. Throughout the years, people in China have felt the dynamic change of our nation and our life.

This year, in spite of weak demand at external market and the problem of global over-production, we continue pressing ahead supply-side structural reform at home, and has made some encouraging progress:

The contribution of domestic consumption to GDP growth keeps increasing. Internet Plus, an idea proposed by the Premier, has transformed the business landscape, unleashing huge potential for businesses across the board, and creating new ideas and more jobs. As a result, China is now leading the way in global e-commerce, and becoming not only the world factory but also a world service provider and a larger market.

Earlier this month, we successfully hosted G20 Hangzhou Summit, an important meeting for global leaders to steer world economy through difficult time, and find new drivers for more innovative and inclusive growth. Right before the summit, the National People’s Congress of China ratified the historical Paris Climate Change Agreement, making it a legally binding document. It sends a clear message to the world that China is strongly committed to building a better and cleaner future for our children and our children’s children.

These are just a few examples of how serious we are in building a more innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared economy in the next 5 years. China now takes the 25th place of Global Innovation Index, one place behind that of Estonia. We will continue investing, continue innovating and continue reforming, not just for the benefits of ourselves, but for this globalized world too.

Of course, as the world’s biggest developing country with nearly 20% of the global population, we know, better than anyone else, that our journey of making more success requires diligence, persistence and dedication. Regardless what challenges ahead, with renewed efforts and smart planning, we will build a moderately prosperous society in all respect by 2021, and a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious by 2049.

My friends,

25 years ago, just less than one month after Estonia regained her independence, the deputy foreign ministers of our two countries, in the beautiful autumn Tallinn, signed the Joint Communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations.

China is one of the first countries that established diplomatic ties with Estonia after her re-birth. The principle of mutual respect, non-interference and equality has been the cornerstone of our bilateral relations ever since. It is also the most valuable asset of our friendship.

Over the past 25 years, our two countries have overall maintained good relations. Our political trust has been deepened with frequent exchange visits at different levels; our trade volume is now 100 times larger than that of the early 1990s; our cooperation in culture, education, agriculture and people-to-people exchanges have been the highlight of our relationship.

In recent years, within the framework of China and Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation (or 16+1 Cooperation), and on the platform of the Belt and Road Initiative, we have expanded the scope of our cooperation. I, therefore, would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to the cooperation between the two countries.

25th anniversary marks the new starting point of our bilateral relationship. Looking ahead, leaders from both countries strongly believe that we have much untapped potentials in terms of investment, trade, e-governance, education, culture, etc. I am confident that, together, we will keep the good momentum and deliver more tangible results for the benefit and welfare of our people.

As you see here, we decorate this reception hall in Porcelain Style, because porcelain is one of the symbols of Chinese culture, and the blue and white represent the Estonian national colors. Just like the Blue-and-White Porcelain, I’m sure that, when China and Estonia join efforts, we will create something amazing.

The old Chinese saying goes “the higher you stand, the greater view you’ll see”. The Estonian wisdom tells us “tasa sõuad, kaugele jõuad”- steady row, far you´ll go.

With that, I’d like to conclude my speech by proposing a toast:

To the prosperity of China and Estonia, and

To the friendship between our two countries.

Cheers!