Editor's note: President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at a grand rally in Beijing to celebrate the People's Republic of China's 70th anniversary on Tuesday. A grand military parade and mass pageant with themed floats followed this rally. Xi's speech and the celebrations have inspired a warm response from home and abroad.

Ambassador of Pakistan to China: Parade a sign of patriotic, proud nation

"Today's military parade and the ceremony was a sight to behold. It was a sign of a patriotic and proud nation which celebrates its milestones with so much excellence, pride and vigor. I have no doubt that the Chinese leadership, with the support of the Chinese people, will continue to steer the country toward the fulfillment of the Chinese Dream. On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, we convey our most heartfelt felicitations to the Chinese people and the Chinese government on this memorable occasion," Naghmana Hashmi, ambassador of Pakistan to China, said.

"Since its reform and opening-up, China has made tremendous progress in economic development. It has lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty. Today China has become the second-largest economy of the world and is the major driver of global trade. Industrial output and foreign investments have increased, creating more jobs and increasing average incomes. The critical social sectors of education, health and social security have also seen considerable improvement. In a nutshell, President Xi's speech of today is the story of the continuous struggle and subsequent achievements of the Chinese nation and a source of inspiration for the whole world. The sagacity and wisdom of the Chinese leadership is evident in today's speech by President Xi Jinping," the ambassador added.