Today marks the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. On October 1, 1949, the People's Republic was officially established, opening a new chapter in the nation's history. Over the past 76 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), this country has undergone a historic transformation – from standing on its feet, to becoming prosperous, and ultimately growing strong. China has eradicated absolute poverty, lifting more than 800 million people out of hardship, and contributing over 70% to global poverty reduction. Now as the world's second-largest economy and the leading manufacturing nation, China is the main trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions, and has accounted for over 30%of global economic growth for many consecutive years. In recent years, its economy has increasingly focused on quality-driven development, giving rise to the world's largest and most dynamic middle-income group of over 400 million people. China has also built the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system, creating new opportunities for development and cooperation with countries around the globe, including Israel.
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. As the principal battlefield in the East, China was the earliest to enter the fight, endured the longest struggle, and made enormous sacrifices. With more than 35 million military and civilian casualties, the Chinese people made a vital contribution to the ultimate global victory over fascism. The Chinese government and people have never forgotten the international friends who stood by their side in resisting aggression. Recently, a joint event with Israeli partners honored Dr. Jakob Rosenfeld, a Jewish internationalist fighter who escaped Nazi persecution with the help of Chinese diplomat Ho Feng-Shan. Dr. Rosenfeld later joined the anti-Japanese forces led by the CPC, saving countless lives through his medical expertise. During WWII, tens of thousands of Jewish refugees found shelter in Shanghai, Harbin, Tianjin, Hong Kong, and other Chinese cities. These experiences forged enduring bonds of solidarity and mutual support between the Chinese and Jewish peoples in times of profound hardship.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's return to China. Taiwan's return was an integral part of the post-war international order, and China's sovereignty over the island is indisputable. The one-China principle is not only a widely recognized consensus within the international community and a fundamental norm of international relations, but also the political foundation of China's relations with countries around the world, including Israel. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which solemnly reaffirmed the one-China principle. Although China and Israel had not yet established diplomatic relations at the time, Israel upheld fairness and justice by voting in favor of the resolution. In 1992, the two countries signed the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, in which the Israeli government recognized the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and confirmed that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China's territory. Historical facts cannot be denied, nor can historical trends be reversed. China will surely achieve complete national reunification.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Over the past eight decades, humanity has witnessed rapid development, a new wave of scientific and technological revolutions, and profound industrial transformation – alongside emerging global challenges such as climate change. History shows that multilateralism, unity, and cooperation remain the most effective responses to shared challenges. It also warns that at critical junctures in global governance, only by reaffirming commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter can humanity make the right choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, and win-win versus zero-sum outcomes. President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Governance Initiative, which emphasizes adhering to sovereign equality; abiding by international law; practicing multilateralism; advocating the people-centered approach; and focusing on taking real actions. The initiative outlines principles, methods, and pathways for reforming and improving the global governance system, contributing China's perspective and proposals to this shared endeavor. It also brings greater stability and certainty to a world marked by turbulence and unrest.
This year also marks the final year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan. In the first half of 2025, China's GDP grew by 5.3% year-on-year. Emerging industries – from green energy and unmanned machinery to intelligent driving, advanced materials, and quantum technology – are flourishing. Breakthroughs in areas such as artificial intelligence, domestically produced chips, and homegrown large aircraft continue to showcase the country's capacity for innovation. China's growth is not reaching a "peak"; rather, it is underscoring renewed vitality and potential, offering greater certainty and positive momentum in a world facing turbulence and uncertainty. As two innovation-driven economies, China and Israel share a common vision for technological progress, enjoy complementary strengths, and have broad prospects for cooperation. Next year, China will launch its 15th Five-Year Plan, entering a decisive phase on the path toward basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035. This will open wider opportunities and create greater space for China-Israel collaboration in innovation.
Choosing China means choosing the future. We hope that more friends from all walks of Israeli society will come to know China better – by visiting, engaging, and investing. Israel is welcome to board the "express train" of China's development, working hand in hand with us to build an even brighter future for China–Israel relations.
Xiao Junzheng is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People's Republic of China to the State of Israel
