WELLINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The Chinese embassy in New Zealand held a reception on Tuesday evening at the Museum of New Zealand to celebrate the upcoming 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Delivering an opening speech at the reception which was attended by over 700 people, Chinese Ambassador Wu Xi said that over the past 70 years, the lives of the Chinese people have been changed.

"Over the past four decades, we have lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty. That is 70 percent of the people in the world who have been lifted out of poverty during the same period."

"The hard work of the Chinese people has transformed China from a poor and backward agricultural country, into the world's second largest economy, the world's largest industrial manufacturer, and the world's largest trader of goods," Wu said.

On the relations between China and New Zealand, Wu acknowledged that it is by following principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit that the bilateral relationship has achieved many concrete outcomes and brought tangible benefits to the two peoples.

"Our friendship shows to the world that differences in size, social system and cultural tradition need not necessarily stand in the way of growing deeper bilateral ties. So long as countries treat each other as equals and view each other's development as opportunities rather than challenges, they can always find common ground and transcend their differences," he said.

The ambassador stressed that China stands ready to work with New Zealand to further promote and consolidate their comprehensive strategic partnership to bring more benefits to the two peoples, and safeguard the international regime and multilateral trading system for a more peaceful, secure and prosperous world.

A Chinese photo exhibition was also launched at the reception, with some of the pictures reflecting the changes of the country and individuals over the past 70 years.