Your Excellency Director-General Tatiana Valovaya,

Your Excellency President Shen Haixiong,

Distinguished Ambassadors,

Dear Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to celebrate together with you all the 16th United Nations Chinese Language Day. Held annually at the Palais des Nations, this event reflects not only the importance attached by the UN to the Chinese language and culture, but also its firm commitment to fostering dialogue among civilizations.

Chinese is one of the most spoken language in the world, and Chinese characters, an ancient writing system still in continuous use, serve as both the genetic code of the Chinese civilization and a window into Chinese culture for the world. From the oracle bone inscriptions over 3,000 years ago, to the characters we are actively using today, the Chinese script has shown remarkable vitality through time.

This year’s theme, "Xing" (行),is very timely and pertinent. Xing means “to walk” or “to act”. It is itself a symbol that transcends time and space. Originating from oracle bone script, it once depicted a crossroads. Today, here in Geneva—a modern-day crossroads of global diplomacy—it embodies the spirit of connection and cooperation among nations. Especially, we are going to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the UN. It offers a unique opportunity to recommit ourselves to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Over the centuries, the meaning of "Xing" has expanded, coming to reflect a distinctive Chinese approach to life, to behavior, and to our view of the world.

It represents the unity of knowledge and action or practice. This ancient wisdom continues to shine in the Chinese path to modernization. This path embodies common values and pursuit of human society, and is in the meantime, commensurate with China unique national situation. This combination of theory and practice forms the basis of China’s unique contribution to global modernization.

It reflects the spirit of determined actions. As a Chinese proverb says, “Action speaks louder than words.” From the Belt and Road Initiative to the Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives, and the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, China is ready to work together with you all to foster a multi-polar world of equality and order and an inclusive economic globalization that is beneficial to everyone. Here in Geneva, my mission and I are ready to work with all of you to advance global governance in areas such as human rights, disarmament, health, intellectual property, telecommunications, labor, trade and development, and make joint efforts for a better world.

It also stands for an open and inclusive approach. “Read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles,” as an old Chinese saying goes. It captures the Chinese spirit of learning through experiencing. Last year alone, over 140 million Chinese travelers set their feet on other parts of the world. Meanwhile, China continues to welcome visitors with 18 new policies such as visa exemptions and visa-free entry for cruise tourists. We will continue to open our door wider.

In short, “Xing” is not just a word or character—it is a commitment from China to the world, and an invitation from the Chinese people to you all. Today’s China is a country with both ancient heritage and modern dynamism. I sincerely hope that today’s event will serve as a bridge, bringing more people closer to China. Let us continue to write new chapters of friendship, understanding and cooperation, across borders and beyond differences. I wish the UN Chinese Language Day every success!