Y.E. President of the Senate, Mr. Nikom Wairatpanij,

Y.E. First Vice-president of the Senate, Mr. Surachai Liengboonlertchai,

Y.E. Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Yuthasak Sasiprapa,

Y.E. Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Dr. Noeleen Heyzer,

Ministers and Ambassadors,

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

On this auspicious reception of celebrating the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, I'd like to avail myself of this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks and welcome to you all.

2012 marks a year of great significance in implementing China's 12th Five-year Plan. As the global economy is undergoing profound changes, Chinese government has tried to maintain a sound momentum of economic and social development in a calm, steady but progressive manner. In the first six months, China's GNP reached 360 billion US dollars with a year-on-year 7.8% growth. Bilateral trade volume increased 8%, rising to 184 billion US dollars. National foreign exchange reserve totaled 324 billion US dollars. Summer grain output recorded 130 million tons. It's hopeful that 2012 will mark the 9th consecutive year of grain growth. The world wide largest medical care system has been basically established in China, covering more than 95% of its huge population. China has made significant contributions to stimulate the global economy and reinforce confidence for the whole world.

However, we're clear minded that as the largest developing country, problems remain to build a balanced, coordinated and sustainable economy. Development goal demands even more efforts.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The global economy is facing more uncertainties and regional conflicts. Despite a momentum of economic growth, East Asian countries are pressed with less market demand, slower growth rate and worsening inflation. Untraditional security issues such as energy problem, food shortage and natural disaster pose challenges to the development in this region. All these facts demonstrate that all parties need policy coordination and closer cooperation in this region. Peace, cooperation and development remain the priority for all countries. China hopes all parties will make joint efforts for common development with all parties.

China will continue its path of peaceful development, promoting friendly and cooperative relations with all the other countries and international institutions on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. It actively lives up to international responsibility, advocating a new thinking on security featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination,. We will stick to the policy of developing good-neighborly relations. We align our own interests with the common interests of the people of the world and seek to expand common interests of all parties. We work to establish a harmonious community of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We saw fresh progress in China-Thailand relations in 2012. HE Mr. Jia Qinglin, Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Congress, and HE Vice President Xi Jinping, visited Thailand. Prime Minister Yingluck's trip to China yielded fruitful results. Both countries agreed to build a comprehensive strategic partnership. The bilateral trade volume increased to 3918 million US dollars with a year-on-year 6% growth in the first seven months this year. Cooperation forged ahead in high-speed rail construction, human resources development, water resources management and clean energy utilization. People to people exchanges were further strengthened. In the first six months, 112 million and 4 hundred thousand Chinese tourists visited Thailand, increasing by 28.87% and ranking the top source of tourists to Thailand, while visitors from Thailand to China kept a steady increase, totaling 330 thousand.

I believe that with the joint efforts of our both governments and peoples, the bilateral relations will open a new spectacular page. Friendship torch between Chinese people and Thai people will pass on through generations.

Now, may I propose a toast to health of HE President Hu Jintao and HM King Bhumibol.

Cheers!

Thanks