(24 September, 2015, Hilton Hotel, Tel Aviv)
Your Excellncy Mr.Reuven Rivlin,Presient of the State of Israel
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,
Good Evening! Erev Tov!
Welcome to today's reception to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
"the Crowing of the Cock ends the Darkness of the Night". Sixty-six years ago, the Chinese people were on the threshold of a new era after arduous struggles which lasted more than one hundred years. With the founding of the People's Republic, hundreds of millions of Chinese became masters of their own country, society, and future process. Time flies. 66-year is but a glimpse in the long history. Today, in the far east of this continent stands China, a prosperous, stable and vigorous modern country.
Guided by the strategic vision of comprehensively building a moderately prosperous society, comprehensively deepening reform, comprehensively promoting the rule of law, and comprehensively enforcing strict Party discipline, Now, the Chinese people are working in concerted efforts towards the realization of the great Chinese dream of national rejuvenation. We know very well that the voyage will never be a plain sailing, and the way towards success will never be easy.
In order to realize the dreams, China will continue to carry on reform and opening up, and stick to peaceful development. Facing the unsteady and swirling world economy, China will make progress while maintaining stability, and keep the economy growth in a reasonable range. In the first half of this year, China's economy registered a 7% growth, continuing the lead of major economies. Confronted by the complicated and volatile international situations, China will adhere to the diplomatic doctrines of peace, development and cooperation, maintain the opening up strategy of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and strive for a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
At present, the relationship between China and Israel is sound and steady. Our political mutual trust is strengthening, while economic and trade links expanding. Israel is a world renowned innovation country, while China has outstanding manufacturing power and immense domestic market. Our economies are highly complementary, and our cooperation has great potential and promising future. In the first half of this year, the bilateral trade volume increased by 5.7% to 5.6 billion US dollars, and we're set to reach another record high at the end of this year. China is now Israel's largest Asian trading partner, third world trading partner, and largest goods supplier. I wish and believe, that we may double our trade volumes in a decade. Besides, China and Israel are both prospective founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. AIIB will function as an important platform for further cooperation in regional development. China and Israel have also carried out extensive people-to-people exchange. We see an increasing inflow of Chinese tourists to Israel, and steady growth of Israelis who are learning Chinese language. Chinese culture and customs, such as the Dragon Boat Rowing race and the Spring Festival are becoming more and more popular among the Israeli people. The mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples are injecting more vitality into the sustainable development of our bilateral relations.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Seven decades ago, the rampant of Fascism and Militarism caused profound disasters upon the Chinese and the Jewish peoples. During that darkest time, both our two peoples extended hands to each other, and supported each other. When the escape door of the Jews was closing, China opened her gate, and sheltered more than 25,000 Jewish refugees in Shanghai. On the other side of the story, during the revolution, construction and reform periods of China, there were also numerous Jewish friends who provided precious help, and contributed hugely to our courses. Please allow me to take this opportunity to pay my tribute to the following names,
Doctor Jakob Rosenfeld, Doctor Richard Frey, and Doctor Hans-Kurt Müller, those who saved countless lives in China during the period of Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation;
Mr. Israel Epstein, the writer who introduced the bravery of the Chinese people in fighting against Japanese aggression to the whole world;
Mr. Sidney Shapiro, the translator who actively promoted the cultural exchange between China and the world.
A friend in need is a friend indeed. The mutual support of our two peoples during the dark times is still the foundation consolidating our bilateral relations and friendship. Recently, the Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai issued a short film to thank Shanghai, which was widely appreciated in China. China Radio International also produced a short film in response. Lets have a look at the two films.
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Indeed, we will never forget, because our two peoples have built precious friendship since that dark time. We will never forget, because those who have gone through brutality of wars know how hard it is to win peace. We will never forget, because only by guarding peace together, could we make justice invincible. Let's join our hands to create an even better future for our two countries and two nations.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
Sixty-six is an auspicious number in the Chinese culture. It portends smoothness and harmony. In this auspicious year, let us wish success, peace, and development for both China and Israel.
In conclusion, I would like to propose a toast,
For the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China!
For the friendship between the Chinese and the Israeli peoples!
For your good health!
Cheers! Le Haim!
Toda Raba Shebatem!