Bless China! Bless the world! - Insights from Xi Jinping's 2019 New Year Address
The world can only be good if China is good; China can only be better if the world is better. This is a simple yet profound truth.
"No matter how the international situation changes, China's confidence and determination to safeguard national sovereignty and security will not change, nor will China's sincerity and goodwill in maintaining world peace and promoting common development change." "Bless China! Bless the world!" In his 2019 New Year address, President Xi Jinping expressed the unwavering stance of the Chinese people with solemn promises and heartfelt blessings, reflecting the common voice of the world's people for peace and development, showcasing the responsibility of a great nation, and winning unanimous praise from the international community.
Looking back at history, the relationship between China and the world is undergoing historic changes. We still remember 1919, when faced with "external troubles and internal problems, compounded by changes," the Morning Post issued a new year's wish stating, "If we can adapt to the changing times and strive for renewal, the opportunity for revival may not be far away." We also remember that decades ago, when the economy was on the brink of collapse, China faced the risk of being expelled from the 'ball game.' A century of ups and downs, a century of resurgence. We witness the reform and opening-up as China's second revolution, which has profoundly changed not only China but also the world; we witness China standing at a new historical starting point, with the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation presenting an unprecedented bright future; we witness our country increasingly approaching the center of the world stage, becoming a recognized builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a maintainer of international order. "China's development cannot be separated from the world, and the world's development also needs China," has become common knowledge and consensus.
Looking globally, we are facing unprecedented changes in a century. It has been over a hundred years since the end of World War I, yet in many places, the journey to peace is still fraught with challenges; while economic globalization is an unstoppable trend, anti-globalization sentiments are quietly rising. In the face of a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, with the global governance system undergoing profound reshaping, where is humanity headed? When the overall development environment of the world economy faces numerous risks and uncertainties, how can we act? "What we should seize is the momentum, and what we must not lose is the timing." In the midst of change, risks and opportunities coexist, requiring us to be adept at turning crises into opportunities and transforming danger into safety. We must accurately understand the changes and seize the important strategic opportunities for development; actively adapt to the changes and make good use of the timing and momentum for development. Without being daunted by the clouds obscuring our vision, we must grasp historical laws and recognize the trends of the world, so that China can achieve great things.
Looking to the future, China's moral responsibility and commitment will not change. China is a great country, with a great mission and great responsibilities. For many consecutive years, China's contribution to world economic growth has exceeded 30%, and this contribution is evident; "China's door of openness will not close, but will only open wider," and China's determination is unwavering; "Looking to the future, China will always be here," and China's original intention remains unchanged. The Chinese people have always been rich in a sense of justice and compassion, closely linking their own future and destiny with the future and destiny of people in other countries, and are always willing to make the utmost effort to contribute to human peace and development. We will actively promote the Belt and Road Initiative, continue to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and strive tirelessly to create a more prosperous and beautiful world. This port of China will always welcome goodwill and will allow the sails of justice to sail freely.
"Accumulating earth to form a mountain, accumulating water to form a sea." May China grow stronger day by day, and may the world prosper. In the new year, we will continuously contribute Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions, and Chinese strength to world peace and development. Bless China! Bless the world!
