It's my pleasure to hold the 2025 New Year Reception in the Beijing Performing Arts Centre this year, to bid farewell to the old year and usher in the new year with diplomatic corps in China, and exchange views. First of all, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would like to extend my greetings to all of you in the Spring Festival, express thanks for your concern, understanding and support for China's diplomacy over the past year, and also express thanks to Secretary Yin Li and Beijing Municipality for their strong support for tonight's activities.

 

It is often said that being a diplomat is the most rewarding job in the world. You who are based in China should have a better understanding of this. In a nation boasting a history of over 5,000 years and a changing society, facing the 1.4 billion people, becoming friends with each other and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation will surely become the most unforgettable moments and the most precious wealth in your life.

 

President Xi Jinping pointed out in the New Year message that "in 2024, we walked through the spring, summer, autumn and winter together, went through thick and thin together, and this year has witness countless moments in this extraordinary year". I believe you distinguished envoys feel the same way. You have been busy all over China this year, building bridges of friendship between people. You visited towns and villages and felt the warm pulse of China's development. You went to Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang and Xizang to witness the unity and progress of all ethnic groups in China. Just now, we visited three cultural buildings in the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and appreciated the world heritage that spans over a history of over 2,500 years. You distinguished envoys had firsthand experience of the grand journey of Chinese modernization, perceived the diligence and kindness of the Chinese people and made great efforts and contributions to the friendly cooperation between China and other countries!

 

Not long ago, I made my first visit to Africa at the beginning of the year to follow a tradition of China's diplomacy that has been adhered to for more than 30 years. There I met an old friend, former Chadian Ambassador to China Allah-Maye Halina, who is now the Prime Minister of Chad. He told me that although he is no longer the ambassador to China in Beijing, he is still another "ambassador" in Ndjamena and still maintains a friendly bond between China and Chad. At that time, it occurred to me that, like Ambassador Halina, you, friends who have been and are serving as ambassadors in China, will always be lifelong ambassadors to promote friendship with China no matter where you are in the future.

 

One of important responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China is to provide all possible facilities for you to perform your duties in China, and we will continue to support you in fulfilling your missions. After you leave your positions and return to your motherlands, we will certainly call you "old friends and good friends of the Chinese people" according to another tradition of China's diplomacy.

 

Dear friends

 

In 2024, everyone witnessed the profound changes in the world and China's great progress. Under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, Chinese diplomats, holding the glorious banner of a community with a shared future for mankind, seek peace and take responsibility for development, injecting stability and adding positive energy to the turbulent world.

 

The year of 2025 is a year of great historical significance, 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the world anti-fascist war, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. At an important juncture in the evolution of human history, China is willing to work with other countries to transcend barriers and conflicts, to be a practitioner of friendly cooperation, a promoter of mutual learning among civilizations, and a builder of a community with a shared future for mankind.

 

We should jointly safeguard world peace and tranquility, implement the Global Security Initiative, promote overall stable relations among major countries and bring together joint efforts to safeguard world peace.

 

We should make concerted efforts to boost global economic recovery, advance the Global Development Initiative, adhere to the inclusive strategy for win-win results and promote globalization for all, providing stronger momentum for global economy.

 

We should work hand in hand to advocate genuine multi-lateralism, develop a genuine perspective of the historical events and figures of World War II, protect the authority of the United Nations and promote equal and orderly multi-polarization. Since this year is the "China Year" of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), we will be good hosts, carry forward the Shanghai Spirit and facilitate regional cooperation.

 

We should jointly promote the harmony and mutual learning of civilizations, implement the Global Civilization Initiative, and further facilitate personnel exchanges. The 9th Asian Winter Games is around the corner, and friends from all over the world are welcome to go to the ice and snow convention.

 

Dear friends

 

The coming year is the Chinese Lunar Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake symbolizes wisdom and aggressiveness. In the new year, faced with opportunities and challenges, we need to gather wisdom and be innovative and enterprising. Let us join hands and make unremitting efforts to promote cooperation between China and other countries in building a better world.