In his keynote speech entitled Celebrate A Glorious Century and Create A More Splendid Future at the Symposium on the Centenary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China and China's Future Development, Ambassador Zheng Zeguang reviewed the arduous struggles and splendid achievements of the Chinese people of all ethnic groups under the leadership of the CPC in the past 100 years.

First, waging heroic struggles that brought the nation back from the brink of life and death

Since the Opium War of 1840, China had suffered for decades at the hands of invading Western powers and corrupt feudal rulers. The country was torn by incessant wars and falling into pieces. The people lived like slaves and knew nothing but starvation. Generations of reformers and revolutionaries had tried to blaze a new trail and change the fate of the nation. They experimented with various theories, solutions and systems, but all failed. Inspired by the Russian October Revolution of 1917 which brought Marxism and Leninism to China, the CPC was established in 1921, giving China's revolution a pillar of strength and the Chinese nation a new leader. By bringing together the basic tenets of Marxism and the practical realities of China's revolution, the CPC made new breakthroughs in both theory and practice. In the ensuing 28 years, the CPC led the Chinese people to defeat imperialist aggression of Japanese militarists, overthrow the reactionary rule of the Kuomintang, and found the People's Republic of China. The Chinese nation entered a new historic era.

Second, carrying out arduous exploration to build a socialist country from scratch

After the founding of New China, the CPC led the Chinese people to complete the socialist revolution and establish a basic socialist system. This was the most extensive and profound social transformation in China's history. The Chinese people worked hard and independently, and put in place a relatively well-rounded industrial and economic system. In this process, we gathered significant experience on how to build socialism. We laid the political, institutional and material foundation needed to build a better life for the people and realize national rejuvenation.

Third, displaying strategic foresight in leading the Chinese people to advance prosperity of the nation

After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee in 1978, the CPC reviewed China's own experience of building socialism, studied the practice of other countries in their development and launched reform and opening up as basic state policies. This pioneering decision was a trailblazer of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which in turn enabled the country to achieve greater economic aggregate, scientific and technological prowess and comprehensive national strength, and better life for the people. China became the world's second largest economy and largest exporter; and joined the ranks of upper-middle-income countries. In a word, the Chinese people took decisive steps towards greater prosperity and strength.

Fourth, remaining true to its original aspiration in leading the Chinese people to build an even stronger nation

Since its 18th National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core China has been pursuing coordinated progress in the five-sphere integrated plan and four-pronged comprehensive strategy, implementing the new development philosophy and fostering a new development paradigm, and accelerating the modernization of our governance system and capabilities. There have been historic changes and achievements in the undertakings of the CPC and the country.

China has become the world's largest industrial country, largest trader in goods and biggest destination for FDI. It has the largest foreign exchange reserves. It has contributed an average of 30% annually to world economic growth for many years in a row.

At home, China has made decisive achievements in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The per capita GNI has exceeded 10,000 dollars and the people's livelihood has seen significant improvement.

In poverty reduction, China has achieved a complete victory. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, China has been lifting over 10 million people out of poverty on average every year. Since the introduction of reform and open up, we have lifted 770 million rural residents out of poverty according to current poverty standard. This is indeed a miracle in human history.

In terms of social security, China is running the world's largest scheme, with basic health insurance covering over 1.3 billion people and basic pension insurance covering close to 1 billion. Average life expectancy has risen from 35 in 1949 to 77.3 now.

With all these efforts, China is making big strides towards building an all-round modern socialist country.