By: James Kamara-Manneh
At the Chinese Embassy Information Salon on the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held on Wednesday 26th October 2022 at the Atlantic Hotel, Lumley Beach Freetown, Mr. Li Xiaoyong assures Sierra Leonean that China will continue to work with Africa, Sierra Leone in particular, to grasp the opportunity offered by the 20th CPC National Congress and build an even stronger China-Africa Community of Shared Future.
The Charge d’Affaires succinctly highlighted the contribuitions of China in various areas such as education, human resources development, mining, agriculture, infrastructure construction, fight against COVID-19 pandemic, health and sanitation, peace and security in fostering the strong diplomatic tie between both countries.
He said during the Covid-19 pandemic, China made hugged donations of Cvid-19 vaccines. To help strengthen the health sector, China-aid mobile clinics have been benefiting tens of thousands of Sierra Leoneans across the country.
He added that in terms of infrastructure, the reconstructed Wilberforce barracks, the construction of the Foreign Service Academy and the overhaul of the National Stadium, whereas, in agriculture , the rice aid, agricultural machinery, water bowsers, fire engines, engineering equipment’s and traffic boat donated by China have been transported to Sierra Leone due to their strong diplomatic tie.
He commended Sierra Leone for adhering to the one-China principle and supporting China’s legitimate efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. In the international arena, Sierra Leone has been working closely with China on issues of common interests. It is of no doubt that China and Sierra Leone are reliable friends to each other.
Mr. Li said the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was successfully concluded and a new central leadership body was elected on October 23. This is an important congress held at a critical moment when China, the world’s most populous and largest developing country, is embarking on a new journey to build a comprehensive socialist modern country, and will also have a positive impact on the world against the background of the current international situation full of instability and uncertainty and the serious challenges to global peace and development.
He disclosed that under the CPC that China has experienced three major events: first, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, second, socialism with Chinese characteristics entering a new era, and third, the completion of the historical task of eradicating poverty, and achieving its first centenary goal — building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
With the implementation of the new development concept, nearly 100 million rural poor people have been lifted out of poverty. China’s economy now accounts for 18.5% of the world economy, ranking second in the world. The scale of manufacturing industry and foreign exchange reserves rank first in the world. The “Belt and Road Initiative” has become a popular international public product and platform for international cooperation. China has become a major trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions, ranking first in total trade in goods, attracting the highest foreign investment and outward investment in the world. China’s development has made a positive contribution to world peace and development.
Next, China will adhere to the leadership of the CPC, promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese modernization in a comprehensive manner, build a strong socialist modern country and achieve the second centenary goal–to build the country into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful in the middle of this century. The Chinese modernization is the modernization of a huge population, of common prosperity for all, of material and cultural-ethical advancement, of harmony between humanity and nature, and of peaceful development. It creates a new form of human civilization, expands the way for developing countries to modernize, and provides a brand-new choice for other countries that wish to accelerate development while maintaining their independence.
China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansionism. China stands firmly against all forms of hegemonism and power politics, the Cold War mentality, interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and double standards. China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace. It has always decided its position and policy on issues based on their own merits, and it has strived to uphold the basic norms governing international relations and safeguard international fairness and justice. China will adhere to the policy of opening up, firmly pursue an open strategy of mutual benefit and win-win situation, and continuously provide new opportunities for the world. China has put forward Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, calling for the promotion of the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom for all mankind, and is willing to join hands with all countries in the world to create a better future for mankind.
Finally,the fact that President Xi Jinping continues to serve as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee reflects the collective will of the world’s largest ruling party with more than 96 million members and 1.4 billion Chinese people, and provides a solid guarantee for the huge ship of China to cut through the waves and make steady progress. As the largest developing country, the continuity, stability and sustainability of China’s domestic and foreign policies are a boon to the world. A responsible, honest, caring and responsible China will surely inject strong stability and positive energy into the chaotic world.
On the other hand, the President for Sierra Leone Association of Journalist, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla congratulated President Xi Jinping on his election as General Secretary of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the Committee’s first plenary session, and for also being named Chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission.
Mr. Nasralla said the election of Xi Jinping as General Secretary is a demonstration of confidence by the CPC party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups that his leadership will continue to deliver on the collective aspiration of China.
He said Xi Jinping himself describes the 20th National Congress as a meeting of great importance as it takes place at a critical time as the country embarks on a new journey to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects and advance toward the Second Centenary Goal.
Due to the diplomatic relationship, the SLAJ President said many journalists have benefitted and still benefitting from study scholarships to China, short term courses and visitations. SLAJ and its affiliate bodies have also received logistical support from the Chinese Embassy in the form of office and media equipment.
He concluded by thanking the Chinese Embassy for initiating this information salon platform which is now serving as a meeting point between the embassy and the media and CSOs to share information, promote cooperation and strengthens ties.
The program was climaxed with questions and answers session.
