Message from Ambassador Zhou Gang

By H.E. Ambassador Zhou Gang

This Oct. 1 marks the 46th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. It is the great festival of Chinese people of all nationalities.

On Oct. 1, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China, thus ending the long suffering of the Chinese nation and ushering in a new epoch of Chinese history. Since then, the Chinese people have stood up. Having been indomitably engaged in an arduous struggle over the past 46 years, Chinese people of all nationalities have turned an old China which was poor, backward and subject to bullying and humiliation into an initially prosperous new country and scored brilliant achievements which have attracted worldwide attraction.

Guided by Mr. Deng Xiaoping's theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, the Chinese have persisted since 1978 to undertake economic reconstruction as their central task and carrying out the policy of reform and open up to the outside world. As a result, China's economy has entered a phase of unprecedented rapid growth. Between 1991 and 1995, China has been smoothly carrying out its Eighth Five-Year Plan of national economic development. Its GDP grew at an average rate of 11.7 percent a year, thus realizing in advance the strategic goal of redoubling its 1980s economic quantum.

Foreign trade has expanded rapidly and an accumulative total volume of imports and exports will exceed over US$1,000 billion (US$ 236.7 billion in 1994). Foreign exchange reserves are expected to reach US$ 67 billion by the end of 1995. A pattern of opening up to the outside world has already taken shape at all levels and in various forms. The investment environment has been continuously improving with the actual total volume of foreign investments in China reaching US$ 75.93 billion in the period from 1991 to the end of 1994.

Economic strength

China's comprehensive economic strength has been beefed up. The absolute output of some major industrial and agricultural products has ranked first in the world -- like coal, cement, textile, grain and meat. Major developments have also been obtained in the fields of science, education, culture, medical care and sports. The living standard of urban and rural residents has been remarkably improved. During the period of the Eighth Five-Year Plan, the per capita income of urban residents has increased at an annual rate of 8.4 percent, while the net per capita income of rural residents has also increased considerably.

China has set forth in clear terms its general goal of building a socialist market economy and has made remarkable progress in the restructuring of pricing, taxation, banking and foreign trade. At present, China enjoys political stability and social security with its people content with their life and work. It is true that China, like other developing countries, is confronted with such problems in its economic and social development as excessive price hikes in consumer goods, sluggish agricultural growth and difficulties faced by some state enterprises in the course of operation and management. The Chinese government has always understood these problems and will find solutions through steadily reforming and developing its economy.

China will shoulder heavier responsibilities in future development. It will take China several more decades' of effort to catch up with the economic and living standards of medium- developed countries. Therefore, China is in great need of a peaceful and stable external environment. It cherishes the maintenance of world peace and stability as well as the expansion of its cooperation and exchanges with countries all over the world, especially surrounding countries.

China has consistently pursued an independent foreign policy of peace, resolutely opposed hegemonism, power politics, aggression and expansion in various forms. China will never seek hegemony, nor will it engage in external expansion. Even if it becomes economically strong, it will not change its foreign policy, nor pose a threat to any other country. It is the consistent policy of the Chinese government to vigorously develop friendly relations and cooperation with various countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and to unremittingly work side by side with all people for global peace, stability, development and human progress.

Bilateral relations

We note with satisfaction that the relations between China and Indonesia have witnessed all-round restoration and development since our two countries restored diplomatic relations five years ago. The traditional friendship between the peoples of our two countries has been further developed by frequent visits between leaders in our two countries, the rapid increase of bilateral exchanges between people from all walks of life and the steady enhancement of mutual understanding and trust between our two governments. Our exchanges and cooperation in various fields have seen good progress.

With regard to regional and international affairs, our two countries share similar views and have sound cooperation and support for each other. Our economic cooperation and trade have been increasingly expanded. Our bilateral trade volume totaled US$ 2.64 billion last year, and is expected to reach US$ 3 billion this year. Technological cooperation has started between China and Indonesia and two-way investment has scored marked growth. China and Indonesia are both developing countries with huge populations. In pursuit of their respective economic development, they will remain partners of cooperation rather than competitors. In today's world of an integrated global economy and liberalized trade, China and Indonesia, guided by the principles of equality and mutual benefit, should intensify cooperation to make up for each other's deficiency and help each other forward so as to achieve common development. The friendship and cooperation between our two countries will not only serve the fundamental interests of our people, but also contribute to peace and development in Asia and the world.

It is our hope that China and Indonesia, on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Ten Principles of the Bandung Conference, establish and develop a stable and longstanding partnership of cooperation. The people of our two countries should forever be good neighbors and friends who treat and respect each other as equals and enjoy cooperation of mutual benefit.

With the 21st century drawing near, the people of China and Indonesia should salute a bright future which is full of challenges.

May the Republic of Indonesia enjoy prosperity and its people wellbeing.