Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo’s Remarks at the Reception in Celebration of the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China

Yang Berhormat Minister of Home Affairs and the Guest of Honor, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman and Datin
Pengiran-Pengiran, Pehin-Pehin, Dato-Dato, Datin-Datin,
Excellencies,
Leaders from overseas Chinese Communities,
My dear fellow countrymen,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
A very good evening to you all!

It is my great pleasure to be here with all of you to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. First of all, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Brunei, I would like to thank and welcome Minister Dato Ahmaddin and Datin for honoring us with their presence as our Guests of Honor. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to friends from all walks of life who have long supported China and the development of China-Brunei relations.

Seventy-six years ago, the founding of the People's Republic of China marked a new era in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Over the past 76 years, through trials and hardships, the Communist Party of China has united and led people of all ethnic groups across the country in unremitting efforts, to achieve a great leap from standing up, growing prosperous to becoming strong. Following the Party's 18th National Congress,under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has made historic achievements and undergone historic transformations. The grand blueprint of Chinese modernization is unfolding. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is irresistible!

Today's China is dynamic, vibrant, and full of momentum. China remains the world's second-largest economy, the largest manufacturing country, and the largest trader of goods. It continues to serve as a major engine and stabilizing force for global economic growth. Despite global challenges, the Chinese economy has maintained steady progress this year. In the first half of 2025, China's GDP reached 66.1 trillion RMB, marking a year-on-year increase of 5.3%. The total value of goods imports and exports reached 21.79 trillion RMB, hitting a record high for the same period in history. With clear development goals, consistent planning and guidance, resolute reform measures and pragmatic macro policies, the Chinese economy will, as always, navigate through cycles and develop in a sound and steady manner, and continue to provide more stability and certainty for the world economy.

China's success hinges on the Party. The Communist Party of China is the most reliable pillar for the Chinese people and has always had the courage to carry out self-reform. The CPC Central Committee decided to carry out Party-wide activities this year on fully implementing the spirit of the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving work conduct. With a strong sense of discipline and a spirit of unity and dedication, the Party continues to serve as a powerful leadership core, wholeheartedly supported and trusted by the people. It is this leadership that guides the country steadily forward, overcoming challenges and securing ever greater victories.

Dear friends,

This year marks an extraordinary chapter for China-Brunei relations. In February, His Majesty the Sultan successfully paid a state visit to China. The two Heads of State reached important consensus on working towards a China-Brunei community with a shared future, ushering the millennia-old friendship between our two countries into a new era. In the first seven months of this year, bilateral trade between China and Brunei reached 1.636 billion USD. China has remained Brunei's largest source of foreign investment for consecutive years and one of its top three trading partners. Our flagship Belt and Road cooperation projects, such as Hengyi Industries continues to operate at a high standard while moving to the 2nd phase.The expansion Muara Port is also progressing steadily. The two countries have also announced visa exemption to each other, making people-to-people exchanges more frequent and convenient.

Not long ago, I was invited to attend the Launching Ceremony of Smart and Green Classroom donated by Chinese Huawei at Sekolah Menengah Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna. In the classroom lit by solar power, I saw children exploring the smart equipment with eyes full of curiosity and joy - a reflection of their thirst for knowledge, their dreams for the future, and most importantly, their heartfelt recognition of the China-Brunei friendship. We stand ready to work with Brunei to implement more livelihood projects and expand cooperation in the digital and green sectors, so that more seeds of friendship may take root in the hearts of our peoples, and more tangible benefits can be achieved in the progress of economic diversification in Brunei. Join hands together we can create an even brighter future for our bilateral relations.

Dear friends,

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. On September 3, over 60 foreign leaders and high-level representatives, including Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi, gathered in Beijing to commemorate this great historical victory and to unite in the pursuit of justice and peace.

Today, the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century. The international system with the United Nations at its core is facing serious challenges, and the global governance system is in urgent need of reform and improvement. President Xi Jinping recently put forward the Global Governance Initiative(GGI), which outlines five core principles: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. The aim of GGI is to reform and improve global governance while reinforcing the authority and central role of the United Nations, thus making it widely welcomed and supported by the international community.The Global Governance Initiative is another major public good contributed by China to help address global challenges, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. These four initiatives are complementary and, together, are injecting much-needed positive energy into a world facing growing instability and uncertainty. China is ready to work with all parties, including Brunei, to deepen cooperation in implementing these four major initiatives and to jointly advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Dear friends,

I would also like to express my especial thanks to the Little Red Flower Art Troupe from Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, who just arrived in Brunei last night for tonight's event and they will soon present a wonderful performance together with the local Chung Hwa schools. I hope everyone enjoys the showcase of China's outstanding traditional culture, and feels the energy and vitality of the Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

The Little Red Flower Art Troupe hails from Nanjing, a city with a special historical connection to Brunei. Over 600 years ago, the King of Boni (ancient Brunei) visited China, and unfortunately passed away during the visit. He was then buried in Nanjing with royal honors. During His Majesty's state visit to China this February, and in the presence of the two Heads of State, Minister Dato Ahmaddin and the mayor of Nanjing city signed the renewed sister-city agreement between Nanjing and Bandar Seri Begawan. On this occasion, I would like to sincerely thank Minister Dato Ahmaddin for his longstanding care and support for China-Brunei relations, and in particular, for the friendship and exchanges between Nanjing and Bandar Seri Begawan.

Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes for a happy birthday to our great motherland and for its continued prosperity and strength!May the China-Brunei friendship last forever!Wishing all our distinguished guests good health, peace and happiness!

Thank you！