Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting by Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China
Third, the unyielding character of the Chinese nation. China is a highly cohesive nation. In its long history, the Chinese nation has emerged stronger from all kinds of trials and tribulations and forged a great national spirit centering on patriotism. The Chinese people have never been daunted by disaster; instead, they have pulled together and pressed forward in the face of every disaster. This time, we have again risen to the grave challenge posed by the earthquake by marshalling a soul-stirring relief effort. Our national spirit of fortitude, unity and perseverance has again shone through. The affected population showed tremendous courage in face of danger. They acted swiftly and heroically to help each other out. Since the earthquake struck, assistance has been pouring in from all quarters. The entire nation has come together to make contribution to the rescue and relief effort in various ways. Overseas Chinese communities have also been greatly concerned and made generous donations. The rescuers have fought with remarkable courage, firm conviction and strong resolve. The heroic accounts of their rescue effort have touched all people. Upon the initiative of the more developed provinces, we have established a twinning program under which 19 provinces would support the worst-hit counties and cities in Sichuan and neighboring provinces in their reconstruction effot.
Here, I want to stress that we have received all strong support and assistance of the international community including the governments and people of many Asian and European countries in our relief operations. Several countries have sent rescue and medical teams to work side by side with Chinese rescuers and doctors, which has fully demonstrated the friendship of the international community towards the Chinese people. On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, I want to once again express our sincere gratitude for the international outpouring of support.
The disaster rescue and relief operations have made the Chinese people more united. We are more committed than ever to the pursuit of reform and opening-up, promotion of scientific development and progress along the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Although there will be various difficulties and challenges ahead, we have the confidence, resolve and capability to overcome all difficulties, strive for new victories in building a moderately prosperous society in an all-around way, and achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
