China's State Council holds National Day reception

The Communist Party of China and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan, attend a reception to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China along with nearly 500 guests from home and abroad in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2020. China's State Council on Wednesday held the reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council on Wednesday held a reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

The reception, held a day ahead of the National Day, was attended by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan, as well as nearly 500 guests from home and abroad.

Premier Li Keqiang addressed the reception, and Vice Premier Han Zheng presided over the reception.

The year 2020 is extremely unusual in the history of the PRC, Premier Li said.

Facing the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 and the global economic recession, China, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, has achieved major strategic results in fighting the epidemic by coordinating epidemic control with economic and social development and making people's lives and health the first priority, said Li.

Li said China has also achieved economic growth recovery and made further progress in fighting poverty, safeguarding the people's livelihood.

He demanded efforts in implementing regular epidemic control measures, helping market entities get through difficulties, nurturing new economic drivers, fostering a new development paradigm, and promoting high-quality development.

More job opportunities should be provided by all possible means, Li said, adding that work should be done to solve the people's concerns in terms of education, medical services, old-age care, and child care, among others.

Li underscored consistent reforms, greater market vitality and social creativity, a better business environment, and high-level opening-up.

He demanded efforts to fully and faithfully implement the policies of "one country, two systems," "the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong," "the people of Macao governing Macao," and a high degree of autonomy for both regions.

Actions should be in strict compliance with China's Constitution and the basic laws of the two special administrative regions, Li said, calling for improving the systems and mechanisms for enforcing the Constitution and the basic laws, and ensuring greater success for "one country, two systems."

Stressing adherence to the major principles and policies on work related to Taiwan, Li urged efforts to uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus to firmly oppose and deter any "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference.

He also called for strengthening exchange and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, promoting peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations, and advancing national reunification.

China will stay on the path of peaceful development, Li said, noting that the country will take resolute measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests.

Li also highlighted that China stands for the vision to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and will work with the international community to contribute more to a victory against COVID-19 and the recovery of the global economy.

Li called for efforts to rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, hold high the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, conquer difficulties to march forward, strive to build China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful, and work tirelessly to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.