PHOTO - Xinhua/Rao Aimin
Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping
At the Welcome Dinner by Friends of the United States
San Francisco, November 15, 2023
Ladies and gentlemen,
Friends,
It is a great pleasure to meet with you, my friends from across American society, in San Francisco to renew our friendship and strengthen our bond. My first visit to the United States in 1985 began from San Francisco, which created my first impression of this country. Today, I still keep my picture in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Before I move on, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, the U.S.-China Business Council, the Asia Society, the Council on Foreign Relations, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and other friendly organizations for hosting this event. I also want to extend my warm greetings to all American friends who have long been committed to the growth of China-U.S. relations and extend my best wishes to the friendly American people.
San Francisco has witnessed exchanges between Chinese and American peoples for more than a century. One hundred and fifty-eight years ago, large numbers of Chinese workers came to the United States to build the first transcontinental railroad and establish San Francisco's oldest Chinatown in the Western Hemisphere.
It is from San Francisco that China and the United States have achieved many successes - $760 billion in annual bilateral trade and more than $260 billion in two-way investment, 284 sister province/state and sister city pairs, and more than 300 scheduled flights each week and more than five million trips a year during peak hours. These extraordinary achievements have been accomplished collectively by our people, who represent nearly one-quarter of the world's population.
San Francisco also bore witness to the efforts of China and the United States to build a better world. Seventy-eight years ago, after the joint defeat of fascism and militarism, our two countries initiated the San Francisco conference that helped establish the United Nations, and China was the first country to sign the UN Charter. Starting in San Francisco, the post-war international order was established. More than 100 countries gained independence one by one. Several billion people were finally lifted out of poverty. The forces for world peace, development and progress were strengthened. This was the main fruit that the people of all countries and the international community achieved together.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Friends,
The establishment of China-US relations that were established by our nations, where during World War II our two countries fought side by side for peace and justice. Led by General Claire Lee Chennault, a group of American volunteers known as the Flying Tigers took to the battlefield in China. They not only engaged in direct combat against Japanese aggressors, but also formed "The Hump" airlift to transport much-needed supplies to China.
More than 1,000 Chinese and American airmen lost their lives on this air route. After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, the United States sent 16 B-25 bombers to raid Japan in 1942. After completing the mission, the fuel ran out and Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle and his fellow pilots parachuted into China. They were rescued by Chinese soldiers and local civilians. But the Japanese aggressors retaliated by killing some 250,000 Chinese civilians.
The Chinese will never forget the Flying Tigers. We built the Flying Tigers Museum in Chongqing and invited more than 1,000 Flying Tigers veterans and their families to visit China. I have stayed in touch with some of them through letters. Most recently, 103-year-old Harry Moyer and 98-year-old Mel McMullen, both Flying Tigers veterans, returned to China. They visited the Great Wall and were warmly received by the Chinese.
Americans will always remember the Chinese who risked their lives to save American pilots. Descendants of these American pilots often visit the Doolittle Raid Memorial Hall in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province, to pay tribute to the Chinese people for their heroic and brave efforts. These stories fill me with a firm belief that the friendship between our two nations, which has stood the test of blood and fire, will be passed on from generation to generation.
The China-US door has opened to bring our nations together again. For 22 years, there has been alienation and antagonism between our two countries. But the trend of the times has brought us together, the convergence of interests has allowed us to rise above our differences, and the desire of the people has broken the ice between the two countries. In 1971, an American table tennis team visited Beijing - a small ball moved the world. Not long after that, Mr. Mike Mansfield led the first US Congressional delegation to China. This was followed by the first delegation of governors, including Iowa Governor Robert Ray, and then many trade delegations that created waves of friendly exchanges.
This year, after the world emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, I met in Beijing with Dr. Henry Kissinger, Mr. Bill Gates, Senator Chuck Schumer and his Senate colleagues, and Governor Gavin Newsom.
The stories of China-US relations are written by our nations. During my first visit to the United States, I stayed with the Dvorchaks in Iowa. I still remember their address - 2911 Bonnie Drive. That was my first personal contact with Americans. The days I spent with them are unforgettable. They represent America to me. I found that although our two countries differ in history, culture and social system and have taken different paths of development, both our nations are kind, friendly, hardworking and down-to-earth. We both love our countries, our families and our lives, and we are both friendly and interested in each other. It is the convergence of many currents of goodwill and friendship that has created a powerful current that is rising across the vast Pacific Ocean; it is the mutual outreach of our nations that has brought China-U.S. relations from low tide back on track again and again. I am convinced that once the door is opened between China and the U.S. relations cannot be closed again. Once started, the cause of China-U.S. friendship cannot be derailed halfway. The tree of friendship between our nations has grown tall and strong; and it can surely withstand the onslaught of wind or storm.
The future of China-US relations will be created by our nations. The more difficulties there are, the greater the need for us to form a closer bond between our nations and open our hearts to each other, and more people must speak up for this relationship. We should build more bridges and pave more roads for people-to-people interaction. We must not erect barriers or create a chilling effect.
Today, President Biden and I reached an important consensus. Our two countries will put in place additional measures to facilitate travel and promote people-to-people exchanges, including increasing the number of direct passenger flights, conducting a high-level dialogue on tourism and streamlining visa application procedures. We hope that our two people will visit, contact and exchange more in the new era and write new stories of friendship. I also hope that California and San Francisco will continue to lead the way in growing China-U.S. friendship!
Ladies and gentlemen,
Friends,
We are in a time of challenge and change. It is also an era of hope. The world needs China and the United States to work together for a better future. We, the largest developing country and the largest developed country, need to manage our relationship well. In a world of change and chaos, it is increasingly important for us to be sensible, to take vision, to take responsibility and to play a role that is linked to our status as major countries.
I've always had one question in mind: How to steer the giant ship of China and the US? Relationships without hidden rocks and shoals, navigate through storms and waves without getting disoriented, losing speed or even having a collision?
In this respect, the number one question for us is: are we adversaries or partners? This is the fundamental and overarching issue. The logic is quite simple. If one sees the other side as the primary competitor, the most serious geopolitical challenge and a growing threat, it will only lead to misinformed policymaking, misguided actions and undesirable outcomes. China is ready to be a partner and friend of the United States. The basic principles we adhere to in dealing with China-US relations are mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.
Just as mutual respect is a fundamental code of conduct for individuals, it is essential to China-U.S. relations. The United States is unique in its history, culture, and geographic location, which have shaped its distinct development path and social system. We fully respect all of this. The path of socialism with Chinese characteristics was found under the guidance of the theory of scientific socialism and is rooted in the tradition of Chinese civilization with an unbroken history of more than 5,000 years. We are proud of our choice, just as you are proud of yours. Our paths are different, but both are the choice of our peoples and both lead to the realization of the common values of humanity. Both should be respected.
Peaceful coexistence is the basic norm of international relations and, even more so, it is the foundation that China and the United States should adhere to as two great countries. It is wrong to view China, which is committed to peaceful development, as a threat and to play a zero-sum game against it. China never bets against the United States and never interferes in its internal affairs. China has no intention of attacking or overthrowing the United States. Instead, we will be happy to see a confident, open, growing and prosperous United States. Likewise, the United States should not bet against China or interfere in China's internal affairs. Instead, it should welcome a peaceful, stable and prosperous China.
Win-win cooperation is the trend of the times and is also an inherent feature of China-U.S. relations. China is pursuing high-quality development and the United States is revitalising its economy. There is ample room for our cooperation and we are fully capable of helping each other to succeed and achieve win-win results.
The Belt and Road Initiative, as well as the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) proposed by China, are open to all countries at all times, including the United States. China is also ready to engage in multilateral cooperation initiatives proposed by the United States. This morning, President Biden and I agreed to promote dialogue and cooperation in a spirit of mutual respect in areas such as diplomacy, economics and trade, people-to-people exchanges, education, science and technology, agriculture, military, law enforcement, and artificial intelligence. We agreed that the list of cooperation would be longer and the pie of cooperation bigger. I would like to tell you that China deeply sympathises with the American people, especially the young people, for the suffering that Fentanyl has caused them.
President Biden and I have agreed to establish a counter-narcotics task force to deepen our cooperation and help the United States fight drug abuse. I would also like to announce here that, to increase exchanges between our nations, especially among the youth, China is prepared to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programmes over the next five years.
Three pandas from the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D.C. recently returned to China. I was told that many Americans, especially children, were really reluctant to say goodbye to the pandas and went to the zoo to see them off. I was also told that the San Diego Zoo and Californians are very excited to welcome the pandas back. Pandas have long been ambassadors of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.
We stand ready to continue our cooperation with the United States on panda conservation and will do everything we can to fulfill the wishes of Californians to deepen the bonds of friendship between our two nations.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Friends,
China is the largest developing country in the world. Chinese people want better jobs, better lives and better education for their children. This is what 1.4 billion Chinese people hold dear to their hearts. The Communist Party of China (CPC) is committed to working for the people, and our goal is the expectation of a better life for our people. This means we must work hard to ensure their support. Through centuries of exploration and struggle, we have found a development path that suits us. We are now pushing for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through the pursuit of Chinese modernisation.
We are committed to working in unity to achieve modernisation for all Chinese. A large population is a fundamental aspect of China's reality. Our achievements, however great, would be very small when divided by 1.4 billion. But the problem, however small, would be huge when multiplied by 1.4 billion. For a country of our size, this is a unique challenge. Meanwhile, big also means power. The leadership of the CPC, the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the support and backing of the people are our greatest strengths. China is both a super-sized economy and a super-sized market.
The sixth China International Import Expo was held recently, attracting more than 3,400 trade exhibitors from 128 countries, including the United States. The exhibition space of U.S. companies is the largest at the Expo for six consecutive years. Upgrading for the 1.4 billion Chinese is a huge opportunity that China provides to the world.
We are committed to prosperity for all, to ensure a better life for every Chinese. Eradicating poverty is the millennial dream of the Chinese people, and prosperity for all is the aspiration of all Chinese. Before I was 16, I was in a village in the northern province of Shaanxi, where I lived and farmed with the villagers, and I knew about their concerns and needs. Now, half a century later, I always feel confident and strong when I stay with the people.
Serving people selflessly and meeting their expectations is my lifelong commitment. When I became General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China, 100 million people were still living below the poverty line set by the United Nations. Through eight years of tenacious efforts, we lifted them all out of poverty. We realized the poverty reduction target of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule. In the process, over 1,800 CPC members lost their lives in the line of duty.
Our goal is not to have just a few rich people, but to realize common prosperity for all. Employment, education, medical services, child care, elderly care, housing, the environment and so on are real issues that are important to people's daily lives and close to their hearts. They are constantly being incorporated into our national development plans at the highest level, thereby continually enhancing our people's sense of fulfilment, happiness and security.
We will continue to support high-quality developments and deliver the benefits of modernisation to all. This is the basic mission of the Communist Party and the commitment we have made to the people. With the support of the people, we will definitely be able to realize this.
We are committed to all-round development to achieve material and cultural and ethical progress for the people. Our ancestors remarked that "When people are well fed and clothed, they will have a strong sense of honour and shame". Material deprivation is neither socialism nor cultural and ethical impoverishment. Chinese modernization is people-centered.
An important goal of China's modernization is to continue to enhance the country's economic strength and improve people's living standards while enriching people's cultural life, strengthening civility throughout society and promoting people's all-round development. The purpose of the Global Civilization Initiative that I have proposed is to call on the international community to address the imbalance between material and cultural progress and jointly promote the continued progress of human civilization.
We are committed to sustainable development to achieve harmony between man and nature. The belief that humans are an integral part of nature and must follow nature's course is a hallmark of traditional Chinese culture. We live in the same global village and may not find another habitable planet in our lifetime.
As the English proverb goes: "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When I was governor of Fujian Province in 2002, I called for the transformation of Fujian into the first green province in China. Later, when I worked in Zhejiang Province in 2005, I said that clean water and green mountains are as valuable as gold and silver. Today, this view has become the consensus of all Chinese people.
China now has almost half of the world's installed PV capacity. More than half of the world's new energy vehicles run on roads in China, and China contributes one-quarter of the world's increased forest cover. We will strive to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. We have made a promise and we will keep it.
We are committed to peaceful development to build a community with a shared future for humanity. Peace, friendship and harmony are values embedded in Chinese civilization. Aggression and expansion are not in our genes. The Chinese people have bitter and deep memories of the turmoil and suffering they have been subjected to in modern times. I have often said that what the Chinese oppose is war, what they want is stability and what they hope for is lasting world peace. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation cannot be achieved without a peaceful and stable international environment. With modernisation, we will never return to the beaten path of war, colonisation, plunder or coercion.
In the 70-plus years since the founding of the People's Republic, China has not provoked conflict or war, nor has it occupied a single inch of foreign land. China is the only major country that has written peaceful development into the country's constitution and the constitution of the ruling party, making peaceful development a commitment of the nation. It is taking advantage of and protecting the current international order.
We remain steadfast in defending the international system with the United Nations at its core, an international order based on international law and fundamental norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. No matter what level of development China achieves, it will never seek hegemony or expansion and will never impose its will on others.
China does not seek spheres of influence and will not wage a cold or hot war with anyone. China will remain committed to dialogue and will oppose confrontation and build partnerships instead of alliances. It will continue to pursue a win-win strategy of opening up. The modernisation we seek is not just for China. We are ready to work with all countries to advance global modernization with peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation and shared prosperity, and to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Friends,
The passage of time is like a rushing river - much is washed away, but the most precious things remain. No matter how the global landscape evolves, the historical trend of peaceful coexistence between China and the United States will not change. The ultimate desire of our two nations for exchanges and cooperation will not change. The world's expectations of the ever-growing China-U.S. relationship will not change. For any great cause to succeed, it must take root in the people, gain strength from the people, and be realized by the people. The growing China-US friendship is such a great thing. Let's raise the Chinese and American people into a strong force to restore China-U.S. friendship, advance China-U.S. relations and make even more contributions to world peace and development!
(CMG/RoZ)
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