National Day greeted around the world and beyond

Leaders from around the world have extended warm congratulations on the 73rd founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China, expressing their wishes for the success of the upcoming 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the nation's future development.

Many of the leaders conveyed their messages in letters or phone calls to President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee.

Kim Jong-un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, extended warm congratulations to Xi, the CPC, and the Chinese government and people.

Kim said that the upcoming 20th CPC National Congress will become a new milestone in China's socialist development, and it is his belief that the Chinese people's dream of national rejuvenation will come true under Xi's leadership and with the Chinese people closely united around the CPC.

Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and the Lao president, said that Laos is paying close attention to and is eagerly looking forward to the convening of the 20th CPC National Congress.

He expressed his belief that under the strong leadership of the CPC with Xi at its core, the Chinese people will make new and greater achievements in the new journey toward China's second centenary goal of building a great modern socialist country in all respects, and successfully realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that on the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, he extended his most sincere and friendly congratulations, and wished success to the upcoming 20th CPC National Congress.

On behalf of his government, US President Joe Biden congratulated the People's Republic of China on the 73rd anniversary of its founding, noting that he joins the US people in wishing all of the Chinese people peace and prosperity.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Xi, the Chinese government and the Chinese people, expressing his belief that the two countries will continue to expand and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly contribute to international and regional prosperity and stability.

He said that he looks forward to working closely with Xi in deepening bilateral friendship and cooperation in various fields, advancing bilateral relations, and working together to enhance the well-being of the peoples of the two countries.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extended his sincere congratulations to President Xi and the Chinese people, saying that he firmly believes that the 20th CPC National Congress will provide new and strong impetus for China's development, and open new and broad prospects for China to continuously enhance its role as a major country.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his cordial greetings and warm congratulations to Xi, the Chinese government and people, reaffirming that South Africa is ready to further consolidate and strengthen the friendship and strategic partnership between South Africa and China.

Csaba Korosi, president of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, congratulated China on its achievements in promoting development and prosperity.

"As a founding member of the UN and a permanent member of the Security Council, China has been a strong buttress to the blue flag (of the UN)," Korosi said, adding that he was also pleased to hear of China's support for efforts to combat climate change.

These leaders were among a host of heads of states, governments and international organizations, as well as other prominent foreign officials who expressed their good wishes on the 73rd birthday of New China.

Extensive celebrations

Government officials and various sectors in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region pledged full confidence in the city's future, as an array of activities were held in the city to mark National Day.

Speaking at a reception on Saturday to mark the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said "one country, two systems" has provided institutional safeguards for the city's prosperity and stability and the SAR always has strong backing from the motherland.

On Saturday, national flag-raising ceremonies were held by Hong Kong SAR government departments, Hong Kong-based central government departments, local universities and communities in different districts. A grand variety show was staged at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom on Saturday night to mark National Day.

Chinese embassies in various countries also held events to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of New China.

And celebrations of China's National Day have for the first time reached space, as the Shenzhou XIV astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station sent a message wishing a happy birthday to their motherland.

In a video released on Saturday, Chen Dong, Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe commemorated the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China from space.

They expressed gratitude to the Chinese people for their support and to the great era, and vowed to accomplish their tasks "to fill space with the glory of the motherland".

Xinhua contributed to this story.