Diplomatic missions hold receptions to mark 70th anniversary of PRC founding

In the countdown to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chinese diplomatic missions around the world have been hosting receptions to celebrate the birthday of New China.

In Rome on Friday, Italian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Marina Sereni expressed the mood of optimism among leaders when she said the Belt and Road Initiative will provide new opportunities for pragmatic cooperation between Italy and China.

The two countries next year will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, with 2020 designated as the Year of Italy-China Culture and Tourism.

In Sofia, Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dong Xiaojun recalled that Bulgaria was the second country to recognize the PRC and establish diplomatic relations with Beijing.

Currently, relations between China and Bulgaria are at their highest level in history, the ambassador said at a reception on Thursday.

Bulgarian Vice-President Iliana Lotova and Deputy Prime Minister Mariana Nikolova called for even deeper ties with China in all areas while addressing the reception.

"During these 70 years, Bulgaria and China have built relationships on the basis of mutual trust and respect. I am sure that will continue to be so in the future," Lotova said.

In Tokyo on Thursday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a congratulatory video to the reception held by the Chinese embassy.

This year is a new vantage point for the neighbors, he said.

It not only marks the 70th anniversary of the PRC's founding, but also the start of the new era "Reiwa" for Japan, the prime minister added.

Abe said he firmly believes that Japan's and China's joint responses to regional and global issues as well as joint contributions to the international community are of great significance to the future of the two countries.

In Los Angeles on Wednesday, many US government officials, business leaders and other guests joined a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of New China as well as the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and China.

Well-wishes

Many US officials took to the podium to express their well-wishes, appreciation and gratitude.

"Regardless of what's going on at the federal level with trade tariffs, we are neighbors," said Josie Gonzales, district supervisor for San Bernardino County, referring to her country's protracted trade conflict with China.

"In today's day and age, when it comes to building our economy, generating new jobs, and achieving the technological advancements we need to make as the human race, we must forge good, productive relationships with China."

As this year also marks the 65th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between China and the United Kingdom, at the charge d'affaires level, an event was held on Saturday in London to showcase China's achievements over the past seven decades.

Organized by the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist), the gathering drew speakers including Harpal Brar, founding chairman of that party, and George Galloway, an outspoken former member of Parliament.

Galloway, who drew international attention in 2005 for his appearance in front of a committee of the United States Senate investigating the Iraq oil-for-food scandal, said: "The days when Western countries could tell the Chinese what to do are over", referring to some countries' interference in the current Hong Kong issue.

Meanwhile, many foreign leaders also hailed China's great strides in national development and the enormous contributions it has made to global peace and economic growth.

"I am witness to the tremendous development of China," said former French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin in a recent interview. "I saw China becoming proud of herself."

Raffarin, who first came to China in 1970 and remains a frequent visitor, recalled that he had seen families of four to five people, sometimes more, living in one room. "Nowadays, the comforts of modern housing are present everywhere," he said. "You feel a major change－people, especially young people, look confident."

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen noted that China, with less than 10 percent of the world's land, manages to feed nearly 20 percent of the world's population.

"This is an achievement that should not be overlooked, and it is a great achievement under the leadership of the Communist Party of China," he said.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of Equatorial Guinea, said: "China is willing to help with Africa's bid for prosperity. We welcome China's help."

In the Middle East, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Ishtaye said: "We take pride in our relationship with China." The leader praised China's long-running aid and consistent support for the State of Palestine.

Xinhua and Lei Xiaoxun in Edinburgh, Scotland, contributed to this story.