UN General Assembly
2010

China is a member of the big family of the United Nations, and China’s development and changes have attracted worldwide attention. I wish to take this opportunity to share with the Assembly my observations on how one should get to know the real China. Since the founding of the People’s Republic, and especially since the start of reform and opening up more than 30 years ago, profound changes have taken place in China, a big, ancient country in the East. Its economic and overall national strength has substantially increased. The lives of its people have markedly improved. Its social and cultural programmes have made considerable progress, and its exchanges and cooperation with the outside world have continued to expand. In sum, my country has made an historic leap from mere subsistence to moderate prosperity. 10-54827 42 We in China are proud of our achievements, which were made through strenuous efforts. At the same time, we are clear-headed about our place and role in today’s world. China’s gross domestic product is the third largest