Chinese ambassador predicts bright future in new year

‘Golden Era’ with UK set to develop further

The Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom held its annual reception to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, in London on Tuesday. About 400 overseas Chinese people, including students, representatives from Chinese companies and organizations participated in the event.

Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador to the UK, gave a speech at the reception and wished everyone a happy Year of the Dog. “May the country be prosperous and the people at peace”, he said.

Looking ahead to the year, Liu believes China-UK relations will have new opportunities in 2018. He described the UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s visit to China last week as a “great success”, as the leaders of the two countries reached a series of important consensus on enhancing the strategic nature of China-UK bilateral relations.

Liu said the two countries have signed a series of cooperation agreements in the areas of trade, education, science and technology, and agriculture. The “golden era” of China-UK relations had entered a new era of accelerated development, he added.

The ambassador also mentioned that China will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of its reform and opening up policy this year. The country will host several important events such as the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, Boao Forum for Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Qingdao Summit, as well as the first China International Import Expo.

China will continue to promote the Belt and Road Initiative, to build a community of shared future for mankind, to accelerate world prosperity, stability and harmonious development.

At the end of his speech, he said the Chinese embassy in the UK will continue to provide strong support and timely services to Chinese nationals, companies, and overseas students.

“We want to make you feel that our country is at your side, and the embassy is behind you,” he said.

“Let us join hands to meet the new era, seize new opportunities and work together to realize the Chinese dream of the rejuvenation of the nation. And help to build an enhanced version of the “golden era” of China-UK relations,” Liu said.