Ambassador to UK says 'Golden Era' has withstood tests

The "Golden Era" of China-UK relations has withstood the test of Brexit and the countries have demonstrated resilience while continuing the momentum of growth, according to Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the UK.

China's ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming makes a speech at the Icebreakers Annual Chinese New Year Dinner in London on Jan 23, 2017.

Liu, who was speaking at this year's Icebreakers Annual Chinese New Year Dinner, said, despite uncertainties in Britain such as the referendum vote to leave the European Union and the formation of a new government with a new prime minister, China and the United Kingdom managed to overcome uncertainties and steady their relationship during a time of transition.

He added that the meeting between President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Theresa May at the G20 summit in Hanzhou last year reaffirmed the shared commitment to the "Golden Era" of bilateral ties, which has kept the relationship on track.

This year also marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of ambassador-level diplomatic ties between China and the UK.

"We will cohost a number of celebrations and commemorative events," Liu said. "These celebrations will be used to reflect. In this way, we can strengthen relations going forward by learning from the experience of the past four and a half decades."

Speaking about President Xi's announcement at the World Economic Forum in Davos that China will host the Belt and Road Forum, Liu said he hopes "in the New Year China and the UK will seize the new opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative and maintain high-level exchanges".

In addition, Liu would like to see solid steps taken in practical bilateral cooperation, covering many areas, including trade, investment, finance, energy, infrastructure, scientific innovation, education and culture.

Zhang Yonghao in London contributed to this story.