The Communist Party of China, founded in 1921, has been the sole governing party of the People's Republic of China since 1949. Truly, in these 105 years, Chinese society has undergone remarkable transitions in a variety of dimensions. It has ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, eradicated absolute poverty, and finished building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. These are unprecedented milestones, outcomes, and historic feats. Despite these achievements, the CPC has now set out on a new journey to achieve the Second Centenary Goal of developing China into a great modern socialist country through the "Chinese path to modernization", which was put forward during the 20th National Congress of the CPC held in October 2022.

In the new journey, the leadership of the CPC will continue to be the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics. That is why its contribution to socioeconomic development, national rejuvenation and people's well-being will remain sustainable.

President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of meeting the needs of the people. That has always been China's strategy — of putting people first, over and above, everything else.

Second, the commitment to embracing globalization and multilateralism remains unshakable, given the emphasis on the need to promote high-level opening-up, and promote the sustainable development of cooperation platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Likewise, the cooperation platforms have accelerated social and economic development in developing countries, particularly African countries.

In a nutshell, given China's deep integration with the global economy, stability and growth of the economy are central to global economic recovery in the era after COVID, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the oil crisis triggered by the US-Iran war.

Third, modernization cuts across all priorities. This means that China's development would be informed, as in the past, by the dynamics of the day, both regionally and globally. As always, this development will be blended with Chinese characteristics. In this regard, continuous adjustment to the unfolding future challenges and opportunities becomes a basic rule.

In other words, the capacity for adaptation to the changing circumstances has to be developed, nurtured and enhanced.

Indeed, the main drivers for coping with the unfolding dynamics, whether climate change or pandemics, are human capacity development and scientific and technological innovations.

Fourth, in the future, adherence to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence will remain firmly anchored on solid ground when cooperating with other countries, both developed and developing. This commitment is underpinned by the national policy of opening up to the outside world, which is guided by the principle of mutual benefit.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned principles were put forward in 1954, and their spirit was widely recognized at the 1955 Bandung Conference. Subsequently, they inspired the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement, whose principles China has consistently supported and adhered to.

Fifth, the emphasis China placed on promoting peace and development is another area of continuity. Indeed, it should be noted that China did not launch aggressive wars or plunder foreign resources to become the world's second-largest economy.

However, China's aversion to war and love for peace should not mean it will look the other way if its territorial integrity and sovereignty are violated by an external force.

The five areas analyzed above, added to China's track record of unwavering commitment to globalization and multilateralism, its upholding of governance principles, and a leadership that "walks the talk", make us more than confident that China's development has gained renewed momentum, that, on the one hand, will continue to profoundly impact the world in all spheres, and, on the other hand, will enable China to, ultimately, build a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic and culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful.

We sincerely congratulate the CPC, the PRC leadership and the Chinese people for the work well done. Keep it up!