Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang on Wednesday called for an \"icebreaking\" spirit to enhance China-UK relations. Speaking at the annual \"Icebreakers\" Chinese New Year Dinner, Zheng emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries amidst global changes and turbulence.
\"In this new age of changes and turbulence, China-UK relations have become even more important both for the two countries and the world at large. And more than ever, we need to draw inspiration from the 'icebreaking' spirit,\" Zheng said in his keynote speech.
He noted that over recent months, there has been progress in China-UK relations. \"We need to build upon that and keep up the momentum,\" he urged.
Zheng highlighted the need for both countries to earnestly follow through on the common understandings reached between their leaders and to faithfully implement the productive outcomes of the 11th Economic and Financial Dialogue held recently in Beijing.
He also called for restarting dialogue and collaboration in various areas, including new energy, artificial intelligence, science and technology, trade, education, and international and regional issues.
\"And most importantly, we should handle bilateral relations in the spirit of mutual respect, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, and mutual benefit,\" Zheng added. \"We do have differences and sensitive issues between us, and they have to be dealt with properly.\"
Despite headwinds in the past year, Zheng stated that China has made solid gains in advancing Chinese modernization. He shared that China's gross domestic product exceeded 134 trillion yuan (approximately $18.43 trillion), with an annual growth rate of 5 percent.
\"In the Year of the Snake, China will continue to show confidence and resolve, stay on the course of high-quality development, and advance Chinese modernization,\" he affirmed.
The annual \"Icebreakers\" Chinese New Year Dinner commemorates the historic \"Icebreaking Mission\" of 1954, when Jack Perry, founder of the London Export Corporation, led a group of 48 British businesspeople on a trade mission to Beijing. This mission established one of the first modern-day trade links with China and led to the formation of the 48 Group Club, whose members are known as \"Icebreakers.\"
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Chinese ambassador calls for 'icebreaking' spirit for China-UK ties
cgtn.com
