What does President Hu have in common with Mother Teresa and Miss Universe?

On China's opening up:

"2008 will be a significant year for Chinese people as we will mark the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening up... Improving people's well being will continue to be our top priority in building a harmonious society in which all people are well educated, workers well paid, patients well treated, elders well tended, and families well housed."

On China's two Special Administrative Regions:

"We will continue to adhere to the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems' and 'Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong, Macao people governing Macao with a high degree of autonomy'. We will join hands with compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao to safeguard the long-term prosperity and stability of both regions."

On Taiwan:

"We will also adhere to the basic principle of 'peaceful reunification and one country, two systems'... and work for the wellbeing of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, strive for peace in the region and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

And what speech would not be complete without a mention of that all-important sporting event happening in eight months?:

"As the host of the 29th Summer Olympic Games and Paralympics, China will spare no effort and enthusiasm in making the two games the grand opportunities for people around the world to understand, befriend and cooperate with each other... We warmly welcome athletes from all nations to take part in the Olympics and Paralympics, and also welcome friends from around the world to come to China and watch the games."

For the full text of the President's address, please click here.

Previously on Shanghaiist:
Paradise on earth by 2020?
Shanghai is China's second most harmonious society! Yippee!