China's Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, underscored the tremendous changes that have taken place in his home country during a speech at a London reception celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Monday. 

The event was attended by more than 500 guests, including diplomats, politicians, business people, academics and overseas Chinese. 

The ambassador said that China has risen from the ashes over the past 70 years.

"A secluded and backward nation has gone through reforms and opened up to the world; an impoverished and weak country has gained prosperity and strength. The Chinese people have created an economic miracle through their hard work," he said. 

China is now the world's second-largest economy. The country's GDP has increased by more than 450 times, from 30 billion U.S dollars in the early years of "New China" to more than 13.6 trillion U.S dollars in 2018. China's per capita gross national income has increased by 135 times, from 70 U.S. dollars to 9,470 U.S. dollars. 

Professor Hugo de Burgh, director of the China Media Center at the University of Westminster, echoed Liu's sentiments.

"I was first in China in 1972 as a very young boy, and I remember how different China was then. China has achieved so much in such a short period of time," he said. "The development of China in the past 70 years has been absolutely phenomenal, particularly the last 30 years.”

Lord Davidson of Glen Clova, former advocate general for Scotland, was also impressed by the country's transformation. 

"It (China) lifts hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. It is a remarkable achievement and only in 70 years. It shows the Communist party has achieved enormous amounts." 

Regarding China's relationships with the rest of the world, Liu stressed that China will stand firm to safeguarding its interests, but will never seek hegemony. 

"China is becoming more closely integrated with the world, and it is participating and taking the lead in building a better world," he said. 

"China will grow strong, but will not bully. China values independent decision-making, but will not act arbitrarily."

This year's National Day is a key date on China's calendar as the country plans celebration including a military parade in Beijing on October 1.