KUALA LUMPUR -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday published a signed article titled "May the Ship of China-Malaysia Friendship Sail Toward an Even Brighter Future" in Malaysian media outlets including Sin Chew Daily, The Star and Sinar Harian ahead of his arrival in Malaysia for a state visit.

The following is the full text of the article:

May the Ship of China-Malaysia Friendship Sail Toward an Even Brighter Future

Xi Jinping

At the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, I will soon pay a state visit to Malaysia. This will be my second visit to your beautiful country in 12 years. I look forward to experiencing Malaysia's remarkable progress and transformation in person, and meeting with Malaysian friends to celebrate our friendship and plan for future cooperation.

China and Malaysia are friendly neighbors across the sea. The Maritime Silk Road stood witness to the millenium-old friendly exchanges between our countries. As a Malay proverb puts it, "air dicincang tidak akan putus," or "water can't be cut apart." Through the ages, such strong bonds of friendship between our peoples have grown from strength to strength. Over 1,300 years ago, Chinese Buddhist monk Yijing of the Tang Dynasty traveled to the Malay Peninsula on his pilgrimage voyage and produced the earliest known written account of the ancient kingdom of Kedah. More than 600 years ago, Chinese navigator and explorer Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty and his fleet called at Malacca during five of his seven historic expeditions. His visits planted seeds of peace and friendship. To this day, the Sam Po Kong Temple, Bukit Cina, and Princess Hang Li Poh's Well endure as a living testament to the local community's everlasting veneration of the legendary Chinese navigator. Some 80 years ago, when the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression reached a critical juncture, the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics from Malaysia braved immense dangers to reach China's Yunnan Province, and helped keep the Burma Road operational, as it was a vital lifeline of China's wartime supplies. Today this remarkable story of courage still echoes in the hearts of both peoples. As we honor our shared past and embrace the future, our two countries must work together to give fresh momentum to our ship of friendship that has sailed through the long river of history, and ensure that it forges ahead steadily toward brighter horizons.

We must keep a firm grip on the strategic helm that guides our ship of friendship. Fifty-one years ago, breaking through the gloom of the Cold War, leaders of China and Malaysia made the decision to establish diplomatic relations, pioneering a groundbreaking new chapter in relations between China and ASEAN countries. China and Malaysia have since respected each other's development paths while maintaining strategic independence. We have provided mutual support on issues vital to our respective core interests and on our major concerns, setting an exemplary model for two countries to prosper together through mutually beneficial cooperation. In 2023, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and I agreed on building the China-Malaysia community with a shared future. The decision marked a new milestone in the bilateral relations. China and Malaysia must enhance strategic communication, increase mutual political trust, follow through on the Belt and Road cooperation plan between the two governments, strengthen the synergy between our development strategies, expand experience sharing on national governance, and promote our bilateral relations through high-standard strategic cooperation.

We must expand results-oriented cooperation which serves as the ballast that steadies our ship of friendship. In 2024, China-Malaysia trade reached 212 billion U.S. dollars, up by nearly 1,000 times the level at the inception of our diplomatic relations. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. Malaysian durians can now be delivered directly from orchards to Chinese supermarkets within 24 hours, and they are immensely popular among Chinese consumers. To date, the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park has received a total investment of over 11 billion yuan (1.5 billion dollars), and will create many long-term jobs when all its planned projects are completed with production reaching their designed capacity. Our bilateral cooperation potential is being progressively realized in the digital economy, green development, industrial investment and transport infrastructure construction. We must deepen mutually beneficial collaboration, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and strengthen cooperation on industrial and supply chains, with a focus on the digital economy, green economy, blue economy and tourism economy, so as to advance modernization of both countries.

We must fuel the engines of people-to-people exchanges to propel our ship of friendship forward. China and Malaysia have mutually granted visa exemption to each other's nationals. The year 2024 saw nearly 6 million mutual visits between the two countries, which exceeded the pre-COVID level. "Malaysia, truly Asia," the tourism promotional ad that highlights the unique charm of Malaysia's culture, history and landscape, has inspired numerous Chinese tourists to visit Malaysia for leisure vacations or sightseeing. More and more Malaysian tourists are traveling to China to appreciate its historical legacy and experience its contemporary vibe. I hope our peoples will visit each other as often as family. Our two countries must promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges so as to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples, especially the younger generation.

We must harness the momentum of collaboration at the multilateral level. China and Malaysia are both major developing countries in the Asia-Pacific. We are also emerging market economies and members of the Global South. We have similar positions on safeguarding international fairness and justice and on advancing open and inclusive development. We have maintained close collaboration within multilateral mechanisms, including East Asia cooperation, APEC and the UN. China welcomes Malaysia as a BRICS partner country. Its inclusion in the organization aligns with the historic trend of the Global South's pursuit of solidarity-driven collective advancement and serves the common interests of developing countries. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. As we honor these milestones, our two countries must strengthen mutual cooperation in international and regional affairs, and champion the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit. We must uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and promote fairer and more equitable global governance. We must uphold the multilateral trading system, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and maintain an international environment of openness and cooperation.

As a community with a shared future, China and Malaysia share the smooth times and the rough, stand united in peace and crisis, and thrive and endure together. "Share weal and woe," a popular proverb in both countries, defines the very essence of such a relationship. We must stay ahead of the times, surge forward with unyielding resolve, and jointly build a brighter future of development, growth and prosperity.

Having weathered storms of the times, the friendly relations and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries have emerged stronger and more resilient. China was the first ASEAN dialogue partner to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the first to establish a free trade area and a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN. China-ASEAN cooperation is the most results-oriented and productive in the region. China and ASEAN pulled together in solidarity in response to multiple challenges, such as the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing headwinds against economic globalization. Our bilateral cooperation is more robust than ever. In 2024, China-ASEAN trade exceeded 980 billion dollars, making us each other's largest trading partner for five consecutive years. The Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area upgrade negotiations have substantially concluded. More and more premium specialty products from ASEAN countries are now finding their way into millions of Chinese families, while Chinese literary works, animations, films and TV productions are increasingly captivating audiences in ASEAN countries with the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and the warm pulse of contemporary life in China.

China firmly supports ASEAN unity and community-building, and supports ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture. China fully supports Malaysia in its role as the ASEAN chair for 2025 and looks forward to Malaysia serving as a stronger bridge between the two sides as the country coordinator for China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations. Through its modernization, China is striving to build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects, and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. Chinese modernization follows a path of peaceful development. China will promote global peace, development and shared prosperity with other countries through mutually beneficial cooperation. The Chinese economy is built on a solid foundation, with multiple strengths, high resilience and vast potential for growth. The core conditions supporting its long-term positive growth remain firmly in place, with the underlying upward trend unchanged. China has set its target for economic growth at around five percent for 2025. We will continue to pursue high-quality development, expand high-standard opening up, share development opportunities with other countries, and bring greater stability and certainty to the regional and global economy.

Unity brings strength, and cooperation leads to mutual success. China will work with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation, as well as the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, in keeping with the historical trend of peace and development. We must brave the waves ahead and advance the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, and jointly build a stronger China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

KUALA LUMPUR -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that he looks forward to meeting with Malaysian friends to celebrate the friendship between China and Malaysia and plan for future cooperation.

He made the remarks in a signed article titled "May the Ship of China-Malaysia Friendship Sail Toward an Even Brighter Future" published in local media including the English-language newspaper The Star ahead of his arrival in Malaysia for a state visit.

The two countries must work together to give fresh momentum to their ship of friendship that has sailed through the long river of history, and ensure that it forges ahead steadily toward brighter horizons, he said.

He also expressed the hope that the two peoples will visit each other as often as family.

Xi urged China and Malaysia to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and strengthen cooperation on industrial and supply chains.

The two sides must uphold the multilateral trading system, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and maintain an international environment of openness and cooperation, he said.

Xi said that China will work with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation, as well as the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism.

Noting that China-ASEAN cooperation is the most results-oriented and most productive in the region, Xi said that China firmly supports ASEAN unity and community-building, and supports ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture.

He also said that China fully supports Malaysia in its role as ASEAN chair for 2025.

BEIJING - A signed article by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping titled "Building on past achievements and making new advances in pursuit of shared goals" was published Monday in the Nhan Dan Newspaper of Vietnam as he is traveling to Vietnam for a state visit to the country.

The following is the full text of the article:

Building on past achievements and making new advances in pursuit of shared goals

Xi Jinping

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China

Late spring is full of vitality. As China and Vietnam celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, I will soon pay a state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Comrade To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Vietnamese President Comrade Luong Cuong. This will be my fourth visit to this beautiful country since I became General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China. I look forward to renewing friendship with Vietnamese leaders, discussing ways of boosting cooperation, and drawing up a new blueprint for the China-Vietnam community with a shared future in the new era.

China and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbours sharing the same ideals and extensive strategic interests. The profound friendship between the two parties and two peoples, forged decades ago, has grown stronger as we explore a socialist path suited to our respective national conditions and advance our respective modernization drive. Building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance serves the common interests of our two countries and is conducive to peace, stability, development and prosperity in our region and beyond. It conforms with the trend of history. And it is the choice by our peoples.

The China-Vietnam community with a shared future is inherited from our distinctive revolutionary traditions. During modern times, pioneers of Chinese and Vietnamese revolutions together explored a path to national salvation and made important contribution to the Third World's victory in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism. The historical site of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League in Guangzhou and the site of the office of the League for Independence of Vietnam in Jingxi, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region bear witness to the revolutionary friendship between China and Vietnam. President Ho Chi Minh joined and supported the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Yan'an, Guilin, Chongqing and Kunming. China sent military and political advisers in support of the Vietnamese people's War Against French Occupation. The Communist Party of China and the Chinese government and people gave full support for Vietnam's just War Against U.S. Aggression to Save the Nation. The well-known line: "The friendship between Vietnam and China is so profound because we are both comrades and brothers," is etched on our shared revolutionary memory.

The China-Vietnam community with a shared future is based on strong political mutual trust. In recent years, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary To Lam and other Vietnamese leaders and I have visited each other many times, steering the course for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Our two parties and two countries have kept close high-level engagement. Mechanisms such as the steering committee for bilateral cooperation, the party-to-party theoretical symposium, the border defence friendship exchange, and the conference on crime control between the two public security ministries are functioning smoothly. High-level mechanisms including the joint committee between the National People's Congress of China and the National Assembly of Vietnam have been established. The "3+3" strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defence and public security between our two countries has been held successfully. China and Vietnam hold similar positions on many regional and international issues and have engaged in close coordination on them.

The China-Vietnam community with a shared future is rooted in our fruitful cooperation. China and Vietnam have pursued closer cooperation on industrial and supply chains amid a sluggish global economic recovery. China has been Vietnam's biggest trading partner for over 20 years in a row, with total bilateral trade exceeding 260 billion USD in 2024. More and more quality Vietnamese agricultural products such as durian and coconut are available to Chinese consumers. Railway connectivity and the smart port development project are being steadily advanced. Solar panels, waste-to-energy plants and other bilateral clean energy projects have boosted electricity supply in Vietnam. The Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line built by a Chinese company makes public transport in Hanoi more convenient. Contributing to each other's success and pursuing common development, China and Vietnam have set an example of solidarity and cooperation in the Global South.

The China-Vietnam community with a shared future is advanced by close people-to-people exchanges. Over the years, we have seen ever more people-to-people exchanges that foster increasingly closer ties between Chinese and Vietnamese peoples. Chinese tourists made more than 3.7 million visits to Vietnam in 2024. With the official launch of the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone and the opening of several cross-border road trip routes, visiting two countries in a single day has become possible. Chinese film and television productions and video games are popular among young Vietnamese, and more people in Vietnam are learning Chinese. Many Vietnamese songs are now on hot search lists on social media in China, and many Chinese diners relish pho and other Vietnamese delicacies.

Today, global, epoch-making and historical changes are unfolding like never before, and the world has entered a new period of turbulent transformation. Despite the headwinds of mounting unilateralism and protectionism, the Chinese economy expanded by five percent in 2024, contributing around 30 percent to the global economy. It remains a key engine of the world economy. China's new energy sector, artificial intelligence and animated films have come into global spotlight. China will continue to provide more opportunities to the world with its high-standard opening up, and will contribute to the development of all countries with its high-quality development.

Asia represents a new elevation in global cooperation and development. At a new starting point toward revitalisation of the whole region, Asia faces both unprecedented opportunities and challenges. China will ensure continuity and stability of its neighbourhood diplomacy. We will stay committed to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. We will continue to pursue the policy of forging friendship and partnership with our neighbours. And we will steadily deepen friendly cooperation with them to advance Asia's modernization.

China is going all out to build a great modern socialist country and achieve the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by pursuing Chinese modernization. Vietnam will usher in a new epoch of national development toward the two goals set for the centenary of the party and the country respectively. China always gives Vietnam high priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy. Our two countries should strengthen our efforts on all fronts to build the China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and contribute more to peace, stability, development and prosperity in Asia and the world at large.

-- We should deepen strategic mutual trust and advance the socialist cause. The two sides should act on the guidance of the leaders. The China-Vietnam steering committee for bilateral cooperation should coordinate our interactions more effectively to boost party, government, military, law enforcement and security cooperation; jointly tackle external risks and challenges; and uphold political security. China is ready to enhance exchanges of governance practices with Vietnam, explore and enrich together socialist theory and practices, and promote the steady development of the two countries' socialist cause.

-- We should continue win-win cooperation and deliver more benefit to our two peoples. We should create greater synergy between our development strategies, implement well the cooperation plan between the two governments on synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, and build more platforms for economic and technological cooperation. China stands ready to advance cooperation with Vietnam on the three standard-gauge railways in northern Vietnam and the smart port. China welcomes more quality Vietnamese products in the Chinese market and encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Vietnam. Our two countries should step up cooperation on industrial and supply chains, and expand cooperation in emerging areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence and green development to create more benefits for the two peoples.

-- We should strengthen people-to-people exchanges and forge a closer bond between our peoples. This year is the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, and we should use this opportunity to promote people-to-people exchanges in diverse forms. China welcomes Vietnamese visitors to travel across China and encourages Chinese tourists to visit scenic sites in Vietnam. Our two countries should carry out more activities that will bring our two peoples together such as the friendly meeting between youth and festive events in border areas. We should further tap into our revolutionary resources and tell stories of friendship that resonate with our two peoples, so as to pass on the baton of China-Vietnam friendship from generation to generation.

-- We should enhance multilateral collaboration and promote Asia's prosperity and revitalization. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Our two countries should firmly uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law. It is important that we pursue the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative. It is also important that we promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. We should work together with the Global South to uphold the common interests of developing countries. Trade war and tariff war will produce no winner, and protectionism will lead nowhere. Our two countries should resolutely safeguard the multilateral trading system, stable global industrial and supply chains, and open and cooperative international environment. We should strengthen coordination in mechanisms such as East Asia cooperation and Lancang-Mekong cooperation so as to ensure more stability for a changing and turbulent world and inject more positive energy in it.

-- We should properly manage differences and safeguard peace and stability in our region. The successful delimitation of our boundaries on land and in the Beibu Gulf demonstrates that with vision, we are fully capable of properly settling maritime issues through consultation and negotiation. The two sides should implement the common understanding reached between the leaders of the two parties and the two countries. We should make good use of the maritime negotiation mechanism so as to properly manage maritime differences, expand maritime cooperation, and build up conditions for the final resolution of the disputes. We should fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and actively advance the consultation on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. We should be impervious to all interference; bridge differences and expand common ground; and make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

Standing at this new starting point of history, China is ready to work with Vietnam to build on past achievements, write a new chapter in building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and contribute even more to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

BEIJING -- An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on improving the systems for exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance will be published on Sunday.

The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year's fourth issue of the Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

HARBIN - Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Friday hosted a banquet in China's northeastern city of Harbin to welcome international dignitaries who are here to attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games.

The following is the full text of Xi's remarks at the banquet:

Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the Welcoming Banquet of the Opening Ceremony

Of the Ninth Asian Winter Games Harbin

Harbin, Feb 7, 2025

Distinguished Colleagues,

Your Excellency IOC President Thomas Bach,

Your Excellency OCA Vice-President Timothy Tsun Ting Fok,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

As the Chinese people celebrate the Spring Festival, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and also in the name of my wife and myself, a warm welcome and festive greetings to all the distinguished guests!

The cauldron of the Ninth Asian Winter Games will be lit tonight. From the Olympic Winter Games Beijing to the Asian Winter Games Harbin, the passion in China for ice and snow has swept across the nation. It has also invigorated winter sports around the world. The current Asian Winter Games sets a new record in its history in the numbers of participating countries, regions and athletes. I believe that with the joint efforts of the Olympic Council of Asia and delegations from all participating countries and regions, Harbin will present to the world a great sports event that is distinctly Chinese, uniquely Asian and spectacular, thus writing a new, magnificent chapter of ice and snow sports.

The theme of the Ninth Asian Winter Games -- "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia" -- embodies the shared aspiration and desire of the Asian people for peace, development and friendship.

We should uphold our shared dream for tranquility and harmony. Peace is as pure as ice and snow. No matter how the international landscape evolves, we should join hands together to meet all kinds of security challenges and contribute Asian strength to building an equal and orderly multipolar world.

We should pursue our shared aspiration for prosperity and development. Winter sports are fascinating because they require passion and collaboration. We should work together to promote progress and development, and provide sustained drive for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

We should fulfill our shared desire for friendship and affinity. Every snowflake is unique, and every civilization is distinctive. Asia is a convergence of the world's diverse civilizations. We should promote inclusiveness, coexistence and mutual learning, and contribute more to the development and progress of human civilization.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

Harbin, the renowned "Ice City," is the birthplace of China's modern winter sports. We feel truly in here that ice and snow are as valuable as gold and silver. The ice and snow culture and economy are becoming a new driving force for the high-quality development of Harbin and a new bond linking the city and the world. We welcome you to explore this hospitable, open and inclusive land of black soil, and to trace the path of Chinese modernization.

China has just entered the Year of the Snake. Among the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, the snake represents wisdom and agility. The Year of the Snake will surely brim with vigor and vitality. I wish all athletes excellent performance with the agility of the snake. May you all have beautiful and unforgettable memories of ice and snow in Harbin.

Now, I would like to propose a toast:

To the great success of the Ninth Asian Winter Games;

To the dynamic development of the Olympic Movement;

To the solidarity and friendship of the Asian people; and

To the health of all the distinguished guests and your families.

Cheers!

MACAO -- President Xi Jinping on Friday delivered an address at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Address at the Meeting Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland and the Inaugural Ceremony of the Sixth-Term Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region

December 20, 2024

Xi Jinping

My Fellow Chinese,

Dear Friends,

Today, we are meeting here on this solemn occasion to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and to hold the inauguration of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). At the outset, on behalf of the Central Government and people of all ethnic groups across China, I wish to extend cordial greetings to all Macao residents. I extend warm congratulations to Mr. Sam Hou Fai, the newly inaugurated sixth-term Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, and to principal officials and members of the Executive Council of the sixth-term Macao SAR government! I also express heartfelt appreciation to all fellow Chinese, both at home and overseas, and foreign friends for their longstanding commitment to and support for the cause of One Country, Two Systems and Macao's prosperity, stability and development!

Macao is a shining pearl on the coast of the South China Sea and a treasured place of the great motherland. It was from here that the first group of Chinese students went to study overseas. It was here that many Chinese classics were translated into foreign languages and introduced to the West. It was also through Macao that a lot of Western modern science, technology and culture were introduced to the Chinese mainland. Across different stages of China's history, Macao has played an important role and made unique contributions.

My Fellow Chinese,

Dear Friends,

Over the past 25 years since Macao's return to the motherland, with the strong support of the Central Government and the mainland of the country, the Macao SAR Government has led the people of all walks of life in forging ahead in unity, achieving an enormous success in advancing the cause of One Country, Two Systems with distinctive Macao features. Macao has undergone earthshaking transformation, and its international standing has increased significantly.

-- The systems for implementing the policy of One Country, Two Systems have kept improving, and national sovereignty, security and development interests have been effectively safeguarded.

The legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security are well in place in Macao. This ensures both the central authorities' overall jurisdiction over Macao and a high degree of law-based autonomy in the city. The executive, legislative and judicial bodies of Macao perform their respective functions and responsibilities. The executive-led system functions smoothly, and the constitutional order of the SAR, based on the Constitution and the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, is ensured. The principle of patriots administering Macao is fully implemented, Macao's democracy is improved, and Macao residents enjoy more extensive rights and freedoms than in any other time in history. The political and social foundation of the policy of One Country, Two Systems has been further consolidated.

-- Economic and social development has seen a historic leap, and residents enjoy a much stronger sense of gain, happiness and security. Macao has pursued economic growth and development with unremitting efforts. It has improved the city's business environment, boosted the law-based, healthy and orderly development of the gaming industry, and promoted economic diversification. Macao withstood the challenging tests of the SARS epidemic, the international financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has maintained the momentum of long-term steady development. In 2023, Macao's GDP was seven times that of its pre-return period, and its per capita GDP was among the highest in the world. Macao has taken the initiative to integrate into the overall national development. It has actively participated in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and it has made solid gains in building the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. All this has greatly expanded the space for its development. Macao exercises people-centered governance. It has made remarkable progress in employment, housing, education, medical services, social security and other social programs, and put in place a system of social security that covers the entire cycle of life and all areas of life. As a result, Macao has maintained its long-term social harmony and stability.

-- Macao has continuously expanded external cooperation and its development position as "One Center, One Platform, One Base" has grown steadily. Macao maintains stable economic and trade ties with over 120 countries and territories, and it is a member of over 190 international organizations and institutions. Many foreign investors do business in Macao, contribute to its development and share in the fruits of its growth. As the only place in the world with both Chinese and Portuguese as its official languages, Macao is an important platform for promoting business ties between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. The Historic Center of Macao, a World Heritage site full of attractions, draws tourists from both the country and around the world. Reputed as a city of good food, rich culture, and festive events, Macao also boasts signature activities including the Macao Grand Prix and the Macao International Music Festival. It is a city where cultures and arts from across the world mingle. Macao stands out as a base for cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and the world; it is a living example of harmonious coexistence and integrated development of different civilizations.

My Fellow Chinese,

Dear Friends,

The great achievements of Macao since its return to the motherland have proven to the world that the cause of One Country, Two Systems, with its distinctive institutional strengths and strong vitality, is a good system that sustains the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao. It is a good system that facilitates endeavors to build China into a great country and achieve national rejuvenation, and it is a good system for ensuring peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit between different social systems. So we must stay committed to this cause. The values embodied in the cause of One Country, Two Systems, namely, peace, inclusiveness, openness and sharing, are relevant to not only China but also the whole world. These values should be cherished by us all.

Developments in Hong Kong and Macao since their return to the motherland tell us that to sustain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao and further advance the cause of One Country, Two Systems, it is imperative to observe the following four principles. First, we should stay committed to the fundamental policy of One Country and fully deliver the benefits of Two Systems. We should place our country's sovereignty, security and development interests above everything else; we should implement the overall jurisdiction of the Central Authorities; and we should not deviate from this commitment under any circumstance. At the same time, we should respect the differences between the two systems, fully ensure a high degree of autonomy of the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao, and continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems, under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong and the people of Macao administer Macao, both with a high degree of autonomy.

We should see that this policy is not changed, deviated from, bent or distorted. Second, we should ensure high-standard security and pursue high-quality development. Security underpins development, and development, in turn, ensures security. We must remain firm in both safeguarding security and promoting development. We should cherish the hard-won peace and stability we enjoy today, focus our energy on growing the economy and pursuing development, and continue to create new growth drivers and build new strengths. Third, we should leverage the unique strengths of Hong Kong and Macao and reinforce their connectivity with both the mainland and the world. Hong Kong and Macao should be more open and inclusive, expand international linkages, and raise their global standing and appeal, so that the reputation of Hong Kong, China and Macao, China as international metropolises will grow stronger. Hong Kong and Macao should fully align themselves with the national development strategies, accelerate integration into China's overall national development, and better play their role as bridges in ushering in a new development paradigm. Fourth, we should carry forward our core values and boost inclusiveness and harmony. It is imperative to live by the core values of loving the country and Hong Kong and of loving the country and Macao, enhance exchanges and integration of diverse cultures, and rally full public support at home and abroad to create the greatest synergy in advancing the cause of One Country, Two Systems.

My Fellow Chinese,

Dear Friends,

The present and the near future constitute a critical period for our endeavor to build a great country and move toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, and we have entered a new stage in advancing the cause of One Country, Two Systems. In the new era, the cause of One Country, Two Systems aims to deliver better development for both Hong Kong and Macao and enable the two regions to further contribute to China's development and renewal of the Chinese nation. The new government of the Macao Special Administrative Region should rally and lead the people of all walks of life in Macao in seizing opportunities, pressing ahead with reform, shouldering responsibilities and making greater contributions. This entails further leveraging the institutional strength of One Country, Two Systems, and making new achievements in the high-quality advancement of the cause of One Country, Two Systems. Here, I wish to express four hopes for Macao.

First, Macao should endeavor to promote appropriate economic diversification. It should fully leverage its distinctive strengths and resource endowment, be clear about its role, focus on key sectors, improve development planning for relevant industries, and step up policy and funding support so as to cultivate internationally competitive new sectors. Efforts should be made to achieve greater economic synergy, more harmonized rules, and more efficient and convenient cross-boundary flow of various factors between Macao and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Macao should focus on key areas, promote scaled development of its distinctive sectors, and launch landmark projects and programs that will have knock-on effects on other sectors. It should be noted that the Central Authorities' decision to develop Hengqin is aimed at promoting appropriate economic diversification in Macao and facilitating the life and work of Macao residents. This should be kept in mind, and sectors and projects that are not in line with this purpose should not be developed. Macao should more actively take part in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, pool quality resources and deepen coordinated development. It is also important for Macao to advance integrated development of education, technology and talent and do more to attract and nurture talent of various types so as to turn itself into a magnet attracting high-caliber talent from across the world.

Second, Macao should endeavor to enhance governance as a special administrative region. Macao should, with a commitment to advancing law-based governance and shouldering responsibilities, better respond to the needs of its economic and social development, improve its institutions, laws and regulations, deepen public administration reform, improve organizational structure, update its approach to and improve its way of governance. It should strengthen coordination at the macro level, and foster a well-functioning and effective service-oriented government, so as to unleash the tremendous vitality and development potential of the society. Macao should improve mechanisms that advise on public policies to increase the level of sound, democratic and law-based decision-making. Macao should strengthen coordinated lawmaking mechanism between the government and the Legislative Assembly. It should strictly exercise fair administration of justice, improve the judicial system, enhance judicial efficiency, and uphold the rule of law. Macao should advance reform of its civil service management system, strengthen its governance team, and improve the system for integrity management and oversight.

Third, Macao should endeavor to build itself into a platform for higher-standard opening up. With its development position as "One Center, One Platform, One Base," Macao should enhance mechanisms through which it can better play its role in China's opening up, take steps to align with major national strategies and continue to enhance its global competitiveness. It should further step up two-way opening, facilitate all-round mutually-beneficial cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries, play an active role in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, make more friends across the world, and act as an important bridge for China's high-standard opening up. Macao should continue to improve its business environment, improve its legal systems such as the civil and commercial laws, nurture and fire up its market vitality, and attract more international resources. As a place where Chinese and Western cultures merge, Macao should promote international people-to-people exchanges, better present Macao and China to the world, and turn the city into an important window of exchanges between Chinese and Western civilizations.

Fourth, Macao should endeavor to maintain social harmony and stability. Macao now enjoys overall stability, but the domestic and international environment is undergoing profound changes. Macao should be mindful of potential perils, guard against them, forestall risks, and firmly safeguard both national security and Macao's stability. It should see that government's governance, society's self-regulation and citizen's participation reinforce each other. It should guide and better regulate the development of social organizations, and consolidate the foundation of community-level governance. Macao should always put people above everything else, resolve the most practical and pressing problems that are of the greatest concern to them, create more and better opportunities for development, foster a fairer social environment, and make continuous efforts to meet people's expectation for a better life.

The young people are the hope and future of Macao. They are also a vibrant force in building Macao and building China. Over the last couple of days, I have met many young people in Macao. Some of them display talent of the governance of the SAR, some have made remarkable entrepreneurial achievements, some are brilliant teachers and researchers, and some are pursuing international careers. The Macao SAR Government and people should care about the young and create a better environment and conditions for them to bring out their best. To the young people in Macao, I hope you will keep the city and the motherland close to your heart, set ambitious goals, take solid steps, advance and carry forward the cause of One Country, Two Systems, and thus realize your potentials by fully engaging in endeavors to build a great motherland and a beautiful Macao.

My Fellow Chinese,

Dear Friends,

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. At its Third Plenary Session, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made a systematic decision to further deepen reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. The cause of building China into a great country is being advanced across the board, with bright prospects unfolding. The Chinese nation is marching toward its great rejuvenation in unstoppable strides. I am convinced that with the full, faithful and resolute implementation of the policy of One Country, Two Systems, with the concerted effort of the Macao SAR Government and all sectors of its society, and with the strong support of the great motherland, Macao will surely open up a new horizon and achieve new advances in development, and make even greater contribution to building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization!

MACAO -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday delivered a speech at a welcoming dinner hosted by the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

Speech at the Welcoming Dinner

Hosted by the Government of

The Macao Special Administrative Region

December 19, 2024

Xi Jinping

Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng,

Incoming Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening. It is my great pleasure to return to the beautiful Macao after a span of five years and join you in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. On behalf of the Central Government and people of all ethnic groups, I extend cordial greetings and best wishes to you and, through you, to all the residents in Macao and to all our international friends who care for and support Macao's development.

The past five years have been extraordinary in the history of Macao's development. Against the background of accelerating global transformation not seen in a century and the once-in-a-century pandemic, with the unreserved support of the Central Government and the mainland, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng and the fifth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) rallied and led the people of all sectors in Macao to rise to the challenges, made results-oriented efforts, ensured a steady economic recovery and achieved progress in all undertakings. Macao has written a new chapter in the successful implementation of One Country, Two Systems with Macao characteristics.

— Macao has made new progress in appropriate economic diversification. With the gaming industry developing in a healthy and orderly manner in accordance with the law, Macao, as a world-class tourism and leisure center, continues to offer new services, and major emerging industries are booming. Macao has taken an active part in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Hengqin-Macao integration is deepening, as the In-Depth Cooperation Zone goes into closed customs operation, and the levels of physical connectivity of infrastructure and institutional connectivity of rules increase. Macao's cooperation with the mainland in science and technology is also deepening and expanding. The successful launch and smooth operation of "Macao Science 1" satellites is just one example. Today's Macao enjoys a stronger foundation and broader space for economic development. It is on an ever-widening path of shared development and common prosperity along with the mainland.

— Macao has reached a new level in improving people's well-being. To meet the practical needs of its residents, Macao has increased spending on improving the people's well-being and taken solid steps on the ground to deliver tangible benefits to residents in areas that directly impact their lives, including housing, health care, education, and elderly care. The apartments for senior citizens and the Macao New Neighborhood project are completed. The Macao Bridge is open to traffic. The quality of basic education continues to improve, and the sector of higher education is making steady progress. The region-wide application of e-government is on a fast track and the efforts to build Macao into a more livable city are intensifying. Local residents enjoy remarkably greater comfort and convenience. With public well-being better secured and social undertakings making all-round progress, Macao today has become a pleasant and favorable place to live and work in.

— Macao's political and social foundation, rooted in love for the Chinese nation and love for Macao, is more solid and strong. The laws and institutional mechanisms of the Macao SAR for safeguarding national security are improved. Elections of the seventh Legislative Assembly and the sixth-term Chief Executive have been held smoothly. Macao residents' rights, including democracy, human rights and freedoms, remain fully guaranteed. The Macao SAR has strengthened its public education of the Constitution, the Basic Law, the national conditions and history, and the national security. As a result, people of all sectors now have a stronger sense of national identity and cherish deep feelings for our nation as much as they love their family. People of all ethnic communities live in amity, and cultural events are colorful and numerous. In Macao today, more than ever, the love for the Chinese nation and the love for Macao have become a stronger theme in a multicultural symphony that features coexistence and co-prosperity.

— Macao's international influence and visibility have risen significantly. Solid progress has been made in establishing Macao as "One Center, One Platform, One Base." The Center for Science and Technology Exchange and Cooperation Between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries has been inaugurated, and Macao's exchange and cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries are closer. Macao has deepened cooperation with countries and regions participating in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and established friendly ties or twinning relationships with more cities. It has also maintained stable economic and trade ties with more countries and regions. Macao has been awarded the Culture City of East Asia and the Best Convention City (Asia). Its international competitiveness and influence has been enhanced.

These remarkable achievements of Macao over the past five years are attributable to the full and faithful implementation of the One Country, Two Systems policy, to the vigorous support of the Central Government and the mainland, and to the active involvement of the international community. They are the result of the hard work and all-out efforts of people of all sectors in Macao united under the leadership of the Macao SAR Government.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Macao's unique strength comes from the policy of One Country, Two Systems. The policy provides a strong foundation for Macao's development. Riding the wind of the national efforts to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation, Macao is blessed with the opportunities and abilities to soar higher and reach further to achieve greater success. To this end, I wish to share with you my three expectations of Macao.

First, I hope Macao will embrace a broader vision. The region should keep in mind China's strategic imperative of national rejuvenation and the ongoing global transformation not seen in a century. You must keep pace with the trends of the times, and further calibrate Macao's position. Macao needs to adopt a scientific approach in its future development planning, and proactively align itself with national development strategies such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and it could also seek to play a bigger role on the international stage.

Second, I hope Macao will embrace diversity and inclusiveness. You should uphold the underlying values of love for the Chinese nation and love for Macao while embracing greater openness, inclusiveness and solidarity. You must work to attract the best minds to join you in building a better Macao. Whoever supports One Country, Two Systems and loves Macao as his home is a native "having drunk from Lilau" and a positive force contributing to Macao's development.

Third, I hope Macao will continue to forge ahead with resolve. An old Chinese poem has this line, "Macao is the most prosperous of all ports in Canton." People of Macao are never short on the can-do spirit. That said, one should never be complacent when life is prosperous, or ignore potential risks when the going is good. Macao needs to demonstrate stronger resolve and greater courage in reform and innovation. You could leverage your institutional strength under One Country, Two Systems to break new ground in the region's development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, China has changed enormously and remarkably. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is now on an irreversible historical course. In the 25 years since its return to the motherland, Macao has come a long way in all its undertakings. There is no better time than now to pursue Macao's further development. I have full confidence that with the strong backing of the great motherland and through solid and hard work, the Macao Special Administrative Region will build on its achievements to make a new leap and create new splendors.

Now, please join me in a toast:

To the prosperity of our great motherland;

To a better tomorrow of Macao; and

To the health and happiness of all of you and your families.

Cheers!

BEIJING -- An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on deeply advancing the Party's self-reform will be published on Monday.

The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year's 24th issue of the Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

The article states that the CPC pursues lofty ideals and is tasked with arduous missions. Only through self-reform and by improving its capabilities in leadership and governance can the Party remain a strong leadership core that advances socialism with Chinese characteristics.

As the situation and tasks facing the Party change, there will inevitably be all kinds of conflicts and problems within the Party, the article says, adding that it is imperative for the Party to eliminate negative impacts through self-reform and ensure that it always retains its vigor and vitality.

The article emphasizes that the CPC always represents the fundamental interests of all Chinese people. Without seeking self interests, the Party can keep its spirit of thorough self-reform, and by swiftly detecting and resolving its own problems, the Party can take strong countermeasures against any interest group, power group or privileged stratum from preying on or corrupting Party members, according to the article.

The article underscores that to deeply advance the Party's self-reform, upholding the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee is the fundamental guarantee.

Efforts are also needed to improve the system for exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance, and to build strong Party organizations and strengthen the ranks of officials, it adds.

The article also urges efforts to improve Party conduct, enforce discipline, and fight corruption, while integrating Party self-supervision with public oversight to deeply advance the Party's self-reform.

BEIJING - An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, an important approach of the Party in the governance of China in the new era, will be published on Sunday.

The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year's 23rd issue of the Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

The article consists of excerpts from Xi's related discourses between January 2013 and August 2024.

The article says that the CPC is advancing a great cause that has no precedent in history.

Only by upholding fundamental principles can the Party avoid losing its bearings or making catastrophic mistakes, and only by breaking new ground can we meet the call of the day and shape the trends of the times, it says.

"We must dare to say what has never been said and do what has never been done," the article says.

It stresses that the core principle of Marxism and the root of fine traditional Chinese culture must not be abandoned.

The exploration of the Chinese path to modernization is the process of developing while carrying on fine traditions, and the process of upholding fundamental principles while breaking new ground, according to the article.

In terms of deepening reform, the article says that "what needs to be reformed should be reformed unwaveringly and what does not need to be reformed should remain unchanged."

It also emphasizes the importance of promoting the adaptation of fine traditional Chinese culture to the socialist society and showcasing the unique defining symbols of the Chinese nation.