The Chinese Embassy in the Maldives hosted a grand reception on September 30 to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Mid-Autumn Festival. The event brought together nearly 250 distinguished guests, including Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, Vice President Hussain Latheef, several cabinet ministers, members of parliament, representatives from various sectors, members of the diplomatic corps in Malé, as well as representatives of Chinese enterprises and the Chinese community in the Maldives.
President Muizzu extended warm congratulations to the Chinese government and people on the occasion of China’s National Day. He commended China’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, its role in safeguarding the rights of developing countries, and its efforts to foster mutually beneficial cooperation between nations, both large and small. The President reaffirmed his resolve to further strengthen Maldives–China relations and to jointly create a sustainable and prosperous future.
In his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives highlighted that 2025 marks the conclusion of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan. Over the past five years, China’s development has shown three distinctive features.
First, the strong resilience of growth. By the end of this year, China’s GDP is expected to reach 140 trillion yuan (approximately USD 20 trillion). Over the five-year period, the cumulative increase is projected to exceed 35 trillion yuan, a scale larger than the world’s third-largest economy. At the 80th United Nations General Assembly, the Chinese Premier announced that China would no longer seek new special and differential treatment in future WTO negotiations. While China remains a member of the Global South and will always be part of the developing world, it has pledged to honor its commitments to the multilateral trading system at higher standards and play a more active role in reforming global economic governance.
Second, improved quality of development. Driven by scientific and technological innovation, China’s industrial system is moving from the middle and lower end of the value chain toward the high end, transitioning from a follower to a leader in many sectors. These achievements in economic growth and technological advancement have translated into tangible benefits for the people. China’s average life expectancy has now reached 79 years, a vivid reflection of the country’s continuous improvement in people’s well-being.
Third, a greener path of development. Over the past four years, China’s energy consumption per unit of GDP has fallen by 11.6%, equivalent to a reduction of 1.1 billion tons of CO₂ emissions. At the recent UN Climate Summit, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment, pledging that by 2035 the country will reduce net greenhouse gas emissions across its entire economy by 7–10% from peak levels.
The Ambassador emphasized that China’s progress not only benefits its own people but also creates new opportunities for global development and for deepening cooperation with the Maldives.
The evening concluded in a festive atmosphere, as guests enjoyed traditional Chinese delicacies and cultural performances celebrating both China’s National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival — a symbol of reunion and friendship.
