On August 6, 2026, Ambassador Zeng Jixin published an article entitled "Rooted in Unity: What Makes a Nation Strong" in the mainstream UAE media Al-Bayan Newspaper and Al-Ain News. The full text is as follows:
I often find myself reflecting on what has enabled the UAE, a young nation, to achieve such remarkable development. The recent Union Pledge Day provided part of the answer: A nation stands strong not only because of a founding covenant or a historic union, but also because of the values of unity, solidarity and cohesion among its people. On this cherished occasion, people not only reflect on the past, but also renew their pledge to ensure that the Union remains the heartbeat of their identity, the source of their strength, and the compass guiding the nation's journey toward a brighter future. It is this enduring spirit that has fueled the nation's remarkable development and shaped the resilient, forward-looking character of today's UAE.
The same values have also been deeply embedded in China's development journey. China is a unified multi-ethnic country, home to 56 ethnic groups that together form one Chinese family. Across China's vast land- from the snowy plateau to the shores of the South China Sea, from the northwest frontier to the eastern coast- the shared pursuit of solidarity and common prosperity among all ethnic groups has been the lifeblood, the source of strength and the hope of the Chinese nation. China has also strengthened this principle by enacting the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, providing a solid legal foundation for ethnic unity. By respecting differences while embracing diversity, we bring all ethnic groups together to the greatest extent possible and fosters a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.
The Ghaf tree, the national tree of the UAE, stands firmly rooted in the desert, its intertwined branches reflecting the unity of the seven emirates, while the belief in solidarity is deeply embedded in the hearts of the Emirati people. In China, the 56 ethnic groups are often compared to the seeds of a pomegranate, tightly bound together in unity while embracing diversity. The deep bonds among all ethnic groups- interwoven with one another and enriched through mutual exchange- reflect a shared pursuit of unity and progress, vividly embodying the strong sense of community that defines the Chinese nation. When the spirit of unity and progress is passed from one generation to the next, a nation, like the resilient Ghaf tree, can weather the fiercest sandstorms and, like the pomegranate, bear abundant fruit on its journey toward the future.
The UAE emphasizes "One Nation, One People," while China often speaks of "the Chinese nation as one big family." Though our two countries have different histories and national circumstances, our values resonate in the shared belief that unity is the foundation of national strength and progress. It is this resonance that enables our peoples to transcend mountains and seas and remain connected heart to heart.