Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday vowed to continue to uphold "One Country, Two Systems" principle in Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions (SAR), and called for unity among all Chinese people as China embarks on a new journey of development. 

President Xi made the remarks at a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, held on the eve of the National Day at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. 

Xi vowed to continue to uphold the principles of "One Country, Two Systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong," and "Macao people governing Macao" with a high degree of autonomy and in strict accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law. 

"We are confident that with the full support of the motherland and the concerted efforts of all the Chinese who love the country, Hong Kong and Macao, the two SARs will prosper and make progress alongside the (Chinese) mainland," Xi said. 

"We will continue to stick to the one-China principle and uphold the 1992 Consensus to push forward the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties, deepen the cultural and economic exchanges and cooperation, and benefit the people across the Strait," said the president. 

Xi further stressed that to realize the reunification of the Chinese nation is an irresistible trend and common aspiration of the people, which will not be stopped by anyone or any force. 

"We must hold high the banner of peaceful development and win-win cooperation, unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, adhere to opening up and build the community with a shared future for mankind with the people of all countries. Let the sun of peace and development shine globally," Xi continued. 

"Unity is iron, steel and a source of strength. It is the important guarantee for the Chinese people to overcome all the risks and challenges on the road ahead," Xi said in his speech. 

"The Chinese people are great people. The Chinese nation is a great nation. Chinese civilization is a great civilization. History illuminates the future," Xi noted. 

"We firmly believe that the Chinese people with more than 5,000 years of history, who have created 70 years of achievements, will definitely compose a more beautiful chapter in China's journey to realizing the Two Centenary Goals and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation," Xi concluded. 

President Xi also attended a performance in Beijing on Sunday. He and other leaders joined over 4,000 people to watch the performance "Stride Forward, the Nation" at the Great Hall of the People. The performance rewinds the history of China and the progress China has achieved during the last 70 years.

Xi hails spirit of women's volleyballers 

Xi met with representatives of the Chinese women's volleyball team before the reception on Monday afternoon, congratulating them on winning the FIVB Women's World Cup title in Japan's Osaka with 11 straight victories. 

Read more: Xi Jinping congratulates Chinese women's volleyball team for winning World Cup 

With the latest achievement, the team claimed the fifth World Cup title and the 10th title at three major volleyball competitions in the world (the other two being the World Championship and the volleyball competition of the Olympics), Xi noted, adding that the honors have ignited the patriotic enthusiasm of the Chinese people and enhanced national confidence and pride. 

"The people love the Chinese women's volleyball team, not only because you have won the championship, but also because you have displayed the spirit of putting the motherland first, through unity, cooperation, tenacity and never giving up," he said. 
  
"The ever-evolving spirit of the Chinese women's team represents a new era, and embodies the strongest will of the Chinese nation to rejuvenate itself," Xi continued. 

Xi invited the volleyballers and their coaches to attend the reception.