The Chinese Embassy hosted a reception to mark the 64th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
China, which was once invaded by imperialist countries and reduced to a semi-colonial and a semi-feudal society, overcame invaders and became the master of their own land.
On October 1st, 1949, the People’s Republic of China was founded and is today, the second largest economy in the world.
As a result… the Government of Dominica along with Dominica’s Head of State, H.E Eliud Williams and members of the diplomatic corps joined in the celebration.
Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, H.E Wang Zonglai during his speech stated that during the time of the invaders, becoming masters of their own land seemed to be just a dream… however with unification and a vision, the People’s Republic of China was formed.
“H.E President Xi Jinping put forth the important thinking of the Chinese dream. The Chinese drean includes the “two 100-year goals,” which are finishing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2021, and then building an affluent, strong, civilized and harmonious socialist modern country by 2049.”
The Chinese People according to Ambassador Zonglai are making great efforts to realize their own dreams and that of the Chinese dream.
“The Chinese dream requires a peaceful and stable international environment, and China will exert every effort to realize the dream through peaceful development.”
The Ambassador emphasized China’s commitment to helping other developing and neighboring countries achieve common development and prosperity. He says the Chinese dream is closely linked with the dreams of other people around the world.
“When our countries established diplomatic relations almost 10 years ago, the Chinese Dream got connected with the Dominican Dream. During all these years, there has been sound economic and technical cooperation in the areas of infrastructure, education, health, agriculture and so on. We have also kept close coordination and collaboration in international affairs. Our win-win approach and mutually beneficial relationship have provided our people with better chances of realizing their own dreams and at the same time, contributing to the realization of the dreams of our countries.”
He highlighted new developments that have recently occurred in the Dominica/PRC bilateral relations.
“Meetings were held between Hon. Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit and the new Chinese leadership including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. The Dominica State College and the State House projects were completed. Last week a group of experts arrived in Dominica and they are now working hard on the technical preparations for the building of the new Princess Margaret Hospital.”
In addition, ten more Dominican students embarked on their journey for higher education in China earlier this month.
The Ambassador expressed his confidence in the further development of the China/Dominica friendship.
Dominica and China will both celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries and to that Prime Minister Skerrit says he remains committed to the decision he made 10 years ago.
“In in respect to the relationship which exists between Dominica and China, and we’re approaching very rapidly, ten years since the establishment of relations with China. I continue to maintain that this was the best decision in the interest of Dominica. It was a progressive decision and I took the decision based on the vision for the Commonwealth of Dominica. Everyone can agree that this decision was mutually beneficial to China and to Dominica.”
Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit described the People’s Republic of China as a trailblazer in and an integral part of worldly matters.
“China has no doubt entrenched itself in history and also the furtherance of development of the world. China is in fact a member of the Security Council and a very important, balancing member of the Security Council because China always brings reason to important matters brought before the Security Council.”
He says, “China continues to champion the cause of small developing states like ours speaking on our behalf at the G20 on very critical issues affecting small states. China continues to be a leader in innovation in so far as matters relating to climate change and how we can become more resilient as countries in climate change.”
China, despite their own challenges has been able to extend assistance to other countries.
“You have not only kept this for yourselves; you have been able to share your resources, your knowledge, and your innovations with many countries including those which do not recognize the One China Policy. You recognize as a country your greater responsibility to the rest of the world.”