(September 28, 2011)

Hon. Chairperson Mr. C.V. Burgess, Member of Parliament

Hon. Chairperson Mr. F. Adams, Member of Parliament

Hon. Mr. Dan Plato, MEC for Community Safety of Western Cape Government

Hon. Mr. Ronald Grant, MEC for education development of Western Cape Government

Colleagues from the Consular Corps,

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Evening!

For Chinese people, Oct. 1st is of great importance, because on that day we celebrate the founding of new China. Hereby, on behalf of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Cape Town, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all present for sharing with us our joy for this great day. My greetings also go to all Chinese people living and working in the three Cape Provinces. I wish all of you a happy holiday and all the best for a better year.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this year marks the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it is also the 100th anniversary of the 1911 Revolution and 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Since 1840, China was a semi feudal and colonial society, one of the poorest countries being humiliated by colonial powers. The 1911 Revolution led by Dr. Sun-Yet Sen was very successful in overthrowing the feudal system of over 2000 years, but came up short to change the miserable life of the Chinese people. It was the Communist Party of China leading Chinese people including those dedicated to Dr. Sun-Yet Sen’s cause through difficulties and hardships and finally established new China. And now, 100 years after the 1911 Revolution, China has emerged politically and economically in the forest of all nations and has become the second largest economic entity in the world.

History has proved that a nation, when united, will flourish, when separated, will perish. South African people have similar experiences like us in its early years oppressed by colonialists. The establishment of the South African National Congress in 1912 was a milestone in the history of the country with the principle of fighting for a democratic, non-racial and united South Africa. Under the leadership of Madiba, Mr. Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, the nation had come a long way before a rainbow nation was established “at peace with itself and the world ”. The ANC has made historic contributions in bringing about unity of multi-culturalism and the unity of many different ethnic groups. Strength lies in unity as well as in diversity. As the ANC will have its 100 years’ birthday early next year, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate, I would like to express our congratulations in advance to the Party. ( 100years/ 90 years / 1949 / 1994 )

Ladies and Gentlemen, the world economy is moving on slowly from the post – crisis this year. According to IMF’s latest report, developed economies are growing sluggish as emerging markets are doing relatively better. The total volume of the BRICS’ economy accounted for 18% of the world economy in 2010, increased from 8.4% in the year of 2000, it is predicted that by 2014, the GDP of BRICS will catch up with that of the US if not exceed it. World Economic Forum reports that, in terms of global competitiveness from 2011 – 2012, China ranks 26th from 27th while South Africa moves upwards to 50th from 54th .

South Africa officially joined the BRIC countries in Dec. 2010. Its participation has given BRICS a four-continental breadth, influences and trade opportunities. China is South Africa’s largest trading partner and South Africa is the second largest trading partner of China in Africa. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping visited South Africa last November after the state visit to China by President Zuma.

This year has also witnessed frequent high – level visits. In May, Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Congress visited South Africa as President Zuma paid his second visit to China in half of a year. At the moment ,Deputy President Motlanthe is visiting China. These have deepened mutual political trust as much as enhanced bilateral relations to bring about more exchanges and cooperations between our two countries in all fields. It will ultimately improve the understandings and promote exchanges between our two peoples. In Micheal’s Plain last May I attended a ceremony at the Cape Town Thembulatu Disabled Children’s School when the China Disabled People’s Performing Arts Troupe donated R50,000 from their performance to the school. The beautiful singings of the children and the warm atmosphere of the scene touched me. I am still in the exciting mood of the Tianjin Acrobatic Troupe’s successful performance at the Arts Cape of Cape Town on Jul. 12. It was the first time that a Chinese Acrobatic Troupe ever visited Cape Town, a great success with a full house that evening. Arts is from the heart of the people with love and care. Last week, about 30 wine makers from Western Cape attended Yantai International Wine Festival for China’s wine market. If each Chinese drinks just one bottle of wine per year, it means a consumption of 1.3 billion bottles a year ! The total annual output of 800 milion litres by SA is very much shy of that, even excludes those under the age of 18.

I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Cape Town, to express our appreciations to all friends including the Chinese community for what they have done in promoting the development of China – South Africa friendship.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Geographically, China and South Africa are world apart; Historically, our two nations have similar experiences;

Naturally, our two peoples are linked heart by heart; Internationally, our two countries share common grounds

and interests;

Practically, we are making endeavor helping our people live in decency and dignity;

Ideologically, we are striving for a harmonious world of diversity.

In conclution, I would like to propose a toast

To the prosperity of China and South Africa,

To the happiness and friendship of our two peoples,

To your health,

Cheers!