Special report: 30 Years of Reform & Opening Up 

    BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd sent a message to China recently, congratulating the nation on its achievements during its 30-year-long reform and opening-up.

    Late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's decision in 1978 to reintegrate China into the global community and begin the process of economic reform was one of the most significant of the 20th century, said Rudd.

    "For me, no event could capture better the full significance of Deng Xiaoping's decision in 1978 to open up China to the rest of the world," he said, "It freed the entrepreneurial talents of the Chinese people -leading to the strong economy we see in China today."

    Rudd said Deng's decision to begin normalizing relations with the rest of the world immediately brought greater stability to the region.

    China, enjoying good bilateral relationships with the rest of the global community, is a significant actor in world affairs and a key member of the network of international groups, the prime minister said.

    China's dynamic economy has delivered great opportunities to its own people and to its international neighbors, Rudd said, noting that Australia has been a partner in China's economic development.

    He recalled that in 1978 China was the world's 10th-largest economy, the 32nd-largest exporter and contributed just 1.8 percent of global growth.

    China now is the world's fourth-largest economy, second-largest exporter and, at 6 percent, the single largest contributor to global growth, Rudd said.

    The prime minister also noted that the lives of the Chinese people are better with per capita income growing from 190 U.S. dollars in 1978 to 3,180 dollars this year.

    Rudd added that the Chinese government is working to reduce inequality, control pollution and build enough cities to accommodate the largest urbanization process in human history.

    Australia welcomes China's rapid economic development and growing global role, Rudd said, pointing out that Australia is a long-term partner with China and hopes to conclude a free trade agreement soon.

    "We believe China's growth is good for Australia, the Asia-Pacific and the world," the prime minister said. "And we are committed to continuing to develop the relationship to the benefit of both countries on an equal basis."