On December 3, 2019, President Xi Jinping met with foreign attendees to the 2019 Imperial Springs International Forum at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping briefed on China's ways of administering state affairs and ensuring national stability, as well as his opinions on the current international situation. Xi Jinping pointed out, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Such historic year always brings people deep thinking. The People's Republic of China has made great development achievements over the 70 years since its founding. Only stability can sustain long-term development. The path of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the fundamental reason why China has achieved continuous development and stability, thus winning the heartfelt support of all Chinese people. We will unswervingly continue down the path that we have chosen. China will continue to adhere to reform and opening-up, and realize the "two centenary goals" on schedule. I am full of confidence in China's future.

Xi Jinping pointed out, it is often said that a person is shaped by the place where he grows up. China has always maintained that people of various countries have the right to choose a development path that suits their own national conditions. No country or nation could achieve its development and prosperity through copying others', nor is there a particular path that could guide all countries and nations towards prosperity. China is determined to prove with its own practice that a strong country is not necessarily a hegemony, and this is decided, first and foremost, by China's 5,000-year historical and cultural tradition, which advocates the ideal of "pursuing a just cause for the common good," instead of I-win-you-lose zero-sum games. The Chinese people do not have the gene to engage in aggression or expansion. Meanwhile, China is committed to maintaining equality and mutual benefit in international relations. China is willing to work with all countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind, increase mutual understanding in a comprehensive, in-depth and three-dimensional manner, and carry out mutually beneficial cooperation, in a bid to realize common prosperity.

Xi Jinping stressed, as the world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, the relations between China and the rest of the world are also experiencing historic changes. As a major country with a population of nearly 1.4 billion, China can make the biggest contribution to human society by running its own affairs well. Meanwhile, we are also willing to shoulder our due international obligations and responsibilities. Facing complex situation in the current global governance, the international order is now at a critical crossroads, as the world is facing a choice of either multilateralism or unilateralism. Although the current international order is not perfect, it can be carefully maintained with reforms and improvement, instead of being scrapped or started all over again. All countries should shoulder their respective missions and responsibilities, engage in constructive dialogue, insist on seeking common ground while shelving differences, and adhere to multilateralism, so as to contribute positive energy to realizing the grand goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The foreign guests delivered respective speeches in succession, including Vaira Vike-Freiberga, former President of Latvia; Benjamin William Mkapa, former President of Tanzania; Yukio Hatoyama, former Prime Minister of Japan; Mladen Ivanić, former member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Neil Mallon Bush, the third son of former President George Herbert Walker Bush of the United States; and Danilo Türk, former President of Slovenia. They extended warm congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, expressed admiration for the great achievements China has achieved in its development, and appreciated China's important contributions to safeguarding world peace and promoting sustainable development. The Chinese people now enjoy unprecedented freedom. It is believed that China, as a major country with significant influence, will continue to develop and prosper and realize the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. They said, China's adherence to reform and opening-up will benefit countries around the world, especially developing countries. At present, certain countries put their own countries first and pursue unilateralism, leading to increased conflicts and frictions. The world needs to adhere to multilateralism, improve global governance, and build a fairer, more just and diversified international order. Important initiatives including the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping bear great positive significance for maintaining world peace and prosperity, promoting world multipolarization and achieving sustainable development. They expect China to continue playing a key leading role in tackling global challenges, including climate change. All parties stand ready to work with the Chinese side to uphold multilateralism, jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote the building of a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

Prior to the meeting, Xi Jinping took a group photo with foreign guests.

Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi and others were present.