(Jan 8th, 2009)

Honorable Mr. Turok, Member of Parliament,

Honorable Mr. Byneveldt, Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature,

Honoralbe Mr. Haskin, Executive Deputy Mayor of the City of Cape Town,

Dear colleagues in the Consular Corps,

Respected Leaders of the Chinese Community,

Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon! On behalf of the Consulate General of China in Cape Town and in my own name, I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to express my warm welcome and heartfelt appreciation for your presence!

This is the first time for me to set foot on the southern hemisphere, and I feel very much pleased that South Africa is the first country and Cape Town is the first city where is my home now. In the past six weeks, I was deeply impressed by the charm of the “Rainbow nation” as well as the beauty of the “Mother city”. Despite the short time span, I have made quite a few new friends, and received warm welcome and precious support from governments at various levels, from friends of various circles. I have keenly felt the profound friendship of South Africans and especially Capetonians.

This year marks the beginning of the second decade since the establishment of our diplomatic ties. During the past decade, China—South African relations witnessed a rapid and all-round development. Leaders of our two countries frequently exchanged visits. The two-way trade and investment increased tremendously. Cooperation in various fields such as culture, education and tourism made new progress. And I firmly believe that in this coming decade, China and South Africa, as “strategic partners”, will work in close cooperation to further develop the bilateral relations.

As two rising developing countries, China and South Africa do share many things in common. The reform and opening up drive in the past 30 years turned China into one of the world’s largest economies. Chinese economy maintained a robust growth at an average annual growth rate of 9.8% and with nearly US$2500 per capita GDP. During the past 14 years, South Africa also saw social stability and rapid economic increase, with GDP growing at an average annual rate of 5%, and with about US$5400 per capita GDP. The South African people live and work in peace and harmony. In the international arena, China and South Africa have supported each other and worked closely for the common interests of the vast majority of developing countries. At present, it is the consensus and common aspiration of the international community to strengthen cooperation and jointly meet challenges such as the global financial crisis. China is willing and ready to work together with South Africa and all other countries to strive for a more stable, peaceful, prosperous and harmonious world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

2008 was an eventful year for China—it took up unprecedented challenges by the snow storm in the south and the strong disastrous earthquake in the southwest. China carried out formidable, orderly and effective relief work, thanks to the concerted efforts of the government, the people and the People’s Liberation Army with the assistance and support from foreign countries including South Africa. And I would like to take this opportunity, to express once again our sincere thanks to the South African government and its people for their sympathies and support. The Chinese people were overwhelmed with excitement in realizing their centennial dream of hosting the Olympics Games, to the delight of all the people of the world, and in realizing their millennial dream of spacewalk.

The year of 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. In retrospect of the achievements, all the Chinese people feel so proud and pleased. Especially since the reform and opening up, the gigantic changes in China impressed the world. China is further integrated with the international community. The future and destiny of China has been interwoven with that of the world. Facing the current global financial crisis, the Chinese government is taking positive measures to tackle it. We have confidence to maintain a stable and relatively fast economic growth for the benefit of the world economy. China will remain on the road of reform and opening up, unswervingly pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and development, and make unremitting efforts for the comprehensively sustainable social development, peace and stability of the world.

Guests and Friends,

On the special occasion of the 10th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, I am humbled and honored to serve as Chinese Consul—General in Cape Town. During my tenure of office, I will spare no efforts in intensifying the friendly cooperation and exchanges between China and the three Cape Provinces. I’m sure, with the assistance and support of South African friends, we will expand our bilateral relations and enhance our friendship. We will never forget the contributions made by overseas Chinese to the peaceful development of China. It is my conviction that the Chinese community here will continue to make new contributions to the development of South Africa and our friendship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the following verses of my personal feelings to share with you.

Walking under the sunny sky bright,

Watching twinkling stars against moonlight,

I often wonder, am I in China, or in South Africa?

It’s the same, but not exactly; it’s different, but not quite.

Geographically, China and South Africa are world apart.

Naturally, our two peoples are linked heart to heart.

We have many issues and matters to care.

We have common grounds and interest to share.

We will strengthen our ties and increase exchanges

in politics, economics, education, science and art.

To build a harmony between man and nature, and a harmonious world,

We will join hands to do our part.

Though we are one week after the New Year’s Day, yet, we are still over two weeks before Chinese New Year, so it is neither too late nor too early for me to wish all of you a happy, healthy and wealthy new year.

In conclusion, may I invite all of you to join me in a toast,

To the prosperity of South Africa,

To the friendship and cooperation between China and South Africa,

To your health and happiness,

Cheers!