The Most Honourable Governor General Cynthia Pratt,

The Honourable Prime Minister Philip Davis and Mrs. Davis,

The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper,

The Honorable Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell,

Distinguished Judges, Cabinet Ministers, Opposition Leader, Speaker of the House and President of the Senate, Former Governors General, Former Prime Ministers, and of course my dear friend Ambassador Jerusa Ali,

Chinese Enterprises and Overseas Chinese in The Bahamas,

Distinguished guests and friends,

Tonight, I am very pleased to celebrate with you the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the government of The Bahamas and friends from all sectors for your steady support of the friendship between China and The Bahamas. I also warmly greet the diplomatic corps and international organizations present here. Yesterday marked the Chinese traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, and I wish the Chinese community here the very best.

Seventy-five years may seem brief in the grand scope of history, but for the Chinese people, these years have been transformative. From a nation once struggling with poverty and underdevelopment, China has risen to become the world’s second-largest economy and a key driver of global growth. We have lifted over 700 million rural people out of poverty, achieving a moderately prosperous society. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), we have pursued a development path suited to our national conditions, resulting in remarkable economic development and social stability and achieving the tremendous transformation from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong.

 Recently, the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC was successfully held, focusing on deepening reforms and advancing Chinese modernization. Allow me to highlight a few key points from this session:

 Reform: Over 300 major reform initiatives were proposed, covering various systems and institutions, to be completed by the 80th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in 2029. This demonstrates China’s determination and confidence in continuing our reforms.

 Development: China is committed to high-quality development, promoting new productive forces to drive modernization. China’s economy has consistently contributed around 30% to global growth. The growth rate is 5% in the first half of this year, reaffirming its role as a vital engine for global economy. We are accelerating our green transition with significant growth in smart and green products. This development will enhance our cooperation with other countries, supporting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 Opening-up: Opening-up is a defining feature of Chinese modernization, and we will continue to expand high-level opening-up. From advancing the Belt and Road Initiative to building platforms such as the China International Import Expo, China’s door is opening wider and wider, benefiting the global community. I am pleased that The Bahamas participated in the sixth China International Import Expo last November, showcasing Bahamian tourism and the nation’s image to the world.

 Chinese Modernization: As a developing country and a member of the "Global South", China was born in the South, has its heart in the South and is rooted in the South. No matter how the international situation changes, China will always stand firmly with countries of the South. China seeks modernization not in isolation but in collaboration with other countries, including The Bahamas. We aim to build a world of peaceful development, mutual benefit, and shared prosperity based on the Vision of Building a Community of a Shared Future for Mankind proposed by Chinese President Xi. Trade between China and Caribbean nations has increased tenfold over the past 20 years, with China’s direct investment stock in the Caribbean exceeding $3 billion by the end of 2023. Last week, the fourth China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum was held in Hainan, China. We look forward to further cooperation with The Bahamas and other Caribbean countries on the path to modernization.

 Ladies and Gentlemen,

 Our relationship with The Bahamas is a shining example of international cooperation and mutual respect. China regards The Bahamas as an important partner in the Caribbean. Since establishing diplomatic relations 27 years ago, together we have built a strong foundation of political trust, practical cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

 Political Trust: Leaders of China and The Bahamas have exchanged messages of congratulation during the Chinese Lunar New Year and the 51st Anniversary of Bahamian Independence. The Bahamian government has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the One-China policy and its support for the Global Development Initiative. In April, The Honorable Speaker of the House of Assembly and The Honorable President of Senate led a joint delegation to visit China. Governor of Hunan Province also visited The Bahamas, signing a Sister Province/Island Agreement with Grand Bahama and launching a Brightness Action Initiative to help Bahamian people suffering from cataracts.

 Practical Cooperation: The first phase of the renovation of Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, aided by China, has been completed, supporting The Bahamas in hosting the World Athletics Relays in May. China’s financial institution is in close communication with The Bahamas on the new hospital project in Nassau. Agricultural experts from Hunan have been working in The Bahamas, breeding vegetables, fruits and melons and identifying the best varieties for the Bahamas.

 People-to-People Exchanges: More and more Bahamians visited China to experience its culture and development. This summer alone, 30 Bahamian officials and scholars attended Chinese cultural heritage workshops and students and faculty from the University of the Bahamas participated at international summer school in China. We also encourage more Chinese people to visit The Bahamas to experience its unique Caribbean scenery and Junkanoo culture, deepening mutual understanding between our peoples.

 Ladies and Gentlemen,

 I am greatly honored to be appointed by President Xi Jinping as the 10th Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to The Bahamas. In the first two months since my arrival, I have had the privilege of meeting with many leaders and friends from various sectors, and I have been deeply touched by the warm welcome and genuine friendship towards China. This fills me with confidence in the future of China-Bahamas relations.

 China and The Bahamas have great potential to align our development strategies and expand areas of cooperation. As we look to the future, we are committed to elevating China-Bahamas relations to new heights and bringing tangible benefits to our peoples, under the guidance of the vision of Building a Community of a Shared Future for Mankind and within the framework of the Global South Cooperation. My colleagues and I will make unremitting efforts to this end, together with friends from all walks of life who are committed to China-Bahamas friendship.

 Finally, please allow me to propose a toast:

To the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China,

To the fruitful cooperation and shared prosperity and success of China and The Bahamas,

To the health, happiness, and good fortune of all friends present,

Cheers!