Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Tan Jian speaks during a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Sept.30, 2019. (Xinhua/Wang Shoubao)
"A stable, open, and prosperous China will definitely bring more opportunities to other countries and contribute to global peace and development," says Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Tan Jian.
ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- As the People's Republic of China (PRC) marks the 70th anniversary of founding, it remains committed to peaceful and common development, and promoting global partnerships and shared benefits by building on its achievements, a Chinese diplomat has said.
Speaking at a reception held by the Chinese embassy in Ethiopia late Friday to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Tan Jian said the past seven decades have been extraordinary in the history of China, with remarkable achievements in poverty reduction, economic growth, and social development, among others.
The reception was attended by senior officials of the Ethiopian government and the African Union (AU) as well as diplomats of different countries based in Addis Ababa.
The reception site of celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Sept.30, 2019.(Xinhua/Wang Shoubao)
China has been contributing to global development, peace and stability, the ambassador said, reiterating China's firm commitment to international order, promoting global cooperation and opposing unilateralism or protectionism.
The ambassador noted that China would continue to benefit from and contribute more to international cooperation by advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
China has reportedly contributed more than 30 percent for many years to global economic growth since the 2008 global financial crisis, the ambassador recalled.
"China is an upholder of international order. China firmly supports international cooperation, be it North-South, South-South, or tripartite cooperation. We are for globalization, against unilateralism or protectionism. The Belt and Road Initiative itself is a platform for international cooperation," he said.
Mitiku Kassa (L), commissioner of National Disaster and Risk Management Commission (NDRMC) receives emergency food aid from Tan Jian, Ambassador of China to Ethiopia during a handover ceremony in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, Aug 2, 2019. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)
With China's fast development, its international obligation has been on the steady and rapid rise, Tan said.
According to a UN resolution on member states' contribution to its budgets, China's contribution to the UN regular budget and peacekeeping budget will rise significantly by 2021, accounting for about 12 percent and 15.22 percent respectively, making China the second largest contributor.
Speaking of China's peaceful development and the country's contribution to global peace, the ambassador said "China is a force for world peace and stability. China does not seek hegemony. China has no hidden agenda, and China opposes any attempt by anyone to do so. We do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, nor do we allow others to interfere in ours."
A train runs on the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway during an operational test near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Oct. 3, 2016. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)
With regard to China's relations and partnership with Africa and other developing nations, Tan said China stands in solidarity with other developing countries, joining hands to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and taking concrete actions to promote South-South cooperation.
China-AU relations today are in its best shape, with close ties at all levels and various cooperation projects being implemented, he said, adding China supports the African Union to play its leading and coordinating role in peace and security affairs.
"In advancing the BRI, China has been working closely with the AU to align the initiative with Agenda 2063, seeking synergy," Tan said.
The ambassador also reiterated China's committed support to the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Center for Disease Control.
"We will work even more closely to create a stronger strategic partnership between China and the AU," he said. "China will never close its door to the world, and it will only become more and more open."
"A stable, open, and prosperous China will definitely bring more opportunities to other countries and contribute to global peace and development," he said.■
