KUWAIT CITY, Sept 25: The Chinese Embassy in Kuwait commemorated the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with a celebration held on Wednesday, September 24. The event was attended by members of diplomatic missions in Kuwait, as well as notable public figures. The ceremony began with the national anthems of both China and Kuwait. Among the distinguished guests were the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, the Minister of Finance, and the State Minister for Economic and Investment Affairs, Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem, and Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, Liu Xiang. Xiang delivered a speech in which he welcomed the guests on behalf of the embassy and expressed appreciation for the continued support of those who contribute to the development of the distinguished relationship between China and Kuwait.

He highlighted the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, led by the Communist Party of China, noting that the Chinese people have achieved remarkable progress, particularly in economic development and social stability. Xiang affirmed his country’s commitment to pushing forward the economy and sharing available opportunities with the world. He stressed that China ranks second globally in terms of economic size and first in industrial output and foreign currency reserves, adding that China is now a main partner for more than 140 countries and regions worldwide. Xiang explained that people in over 150 countries have benefited from the Belt and Road initiative. China has also succeeded in lifting nearly 80 million people out of poverty over the past 40 years, in line with the United Nations’ poverty reduction goals. China achieved this target a full decade ahead of the 2030 deadline set by the UN. He shed light on China’s commitment to peaceful development and to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Xiang stressed that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, adding, “Not long ago, a grand military parade was held in Beijing, sending a strong message of remembering history, honoring fallen heroes, cherishing peace, and building a better future.” He reaffirmed China’s keenness to support the restoration of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people. Xiang explained that Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, recently stated that Israel continues to push forward its plan to take over Gaza City, carries out airstrikes targeting Hamas members involved in peace talks in Qatar, and simultaneously accelerates its encroachment on West Bank territory. These actions constitute serious violations of international law. Also, Minister Wang Yi stressed that China is committed to achieving a ceasefire and an end to the war in Gaza, while promoting an early, comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue based on relevant United Nations resolutions and the two-state solution.

He went on to say that China actively fulfills its responsibilities as a major global power and continues to provide public goods to the international community. Xiang highlighted a recent proposal, “The Global Governance Initiative,” by the President of China that calls for upholding sovereign equality, abiding by international law, practicing multilateralism, promoting a people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real action. He also listed several major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, all of which have been positively received by the international community. He said the Communist Party of China has strengthened its work ethic by implementing the Eight-Point Decision on Improving Party and Government Conduct.

This includes staying close to the people, combating formalism and bureaucracy, eliminating extravagance and waste, and advancing self-reform. Xiang highlighted the deep and long-standing traditional friendship between Kuwait and China. He explained that Kuwait was the first Gulf Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with China. The bilateral ties have consistently been at the forefront of China’s relations with countries in the region. In recent years, relations between the two friendly nations have entered their best period in history, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries. He expressed his satisfaction with the growing cooperation between China and Kuwait, reflected in major projects such as Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and renewable energy initiatives.

He also noted the steady growth in bilateral trade, which offers Kuwaiti consumers a wider range of high-quality products at competitive prices. Xiang highlighted the flourishing cultural exchange between the two countries, with the recent establishment of the Kuwait-China Friendship Club and the upcoming official opening of the Kuwait Chinese Cultural Center next month, both of which contribute to deeper mutual understanding and stronger people-to-people ties. He praised Kuwait’s steady progress in implementing its New Kuwait 2035 vision under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, adding that China will always remain a trusted and like-minded partner in Kuwait’s development journey, for the benefit of both nations.

It is worth noting that the celebration included a visual presentation highlighting the growing Kuwaiti-Chinese partnership and showcasing major development projects carried out by Chinese companies. Another presentation focused on the suffering of the people of Gaza under Israeli occupation.

It included historical footage of the hardships suffered by the Chinese people during the Japanese occupation, conveying a message of empathy and reaffirming China’s firm stance in support of the Palestinian cause. A noticeable feature of the event was the display of a luxurious 4x4 vehicle prominently placed in the center of the celebration hall. The vehicle, fully manufactured in China, represents the advanced level of technology that China has recently achieved.

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh
Arab Times/Al-Seyassah Staff