On 22 July, Ambassador LIU attended the online Forum of Chinese Enterprises in the UK and delivered a keynote speech titled “Stay Focused and Confident”, To sharing his views on the two issues of concern to all, “what’s going on in China-UK relations” and “what shall Chinese enterprises in the UK do”. The meeting was presided by Minister Counsellor BAO Ling from the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in the UK. Chairman FANG spoke on behalf of Chinese companies in the UK and discussed with the Ambassador on problems facing Chinese enterprises in the UK. The Ambassador answered the questions raised by eight representatives of Chinese enterprises in the UK from different industries. More than 150 business representatives from CCCUK attended the forum.

Recently, unstable factors clouding China-UK relations have posed challenges to many Chinese enterprises in the UK, aggregating their concerns about the risk of investing and growing in the UK. Therefore, they are eager to know the move of China-UK relations and ways of handling the difficulties. At this critical moment, the Embassy’s timely convening is of great guiding significance to Chinese enterprises in the UK. They were greatly boosting the confidence of Chinese enterprises in the UK.

Photo 1. Keynote Speech by H.E. Ambassador LIU Xiaoming

The Ambassador first presented a detailed analysis of the situation for Chinese enterprises in the UK. He said the current serious challenges plunging China-UK relations into severe setbacks are due to the “two big mistakes”. First, the UK has gravely violated the basic norms governing international relations, grossly interfered in China’s internal affairs on the Hong Kong-related issue and blamed China on the Xinjiang-related issues. Second, the UK has made serious mistakes in its perception of China and strategic positioning. They unfairly excluded Huawei from building the UK’s 5G network and viewing China as a “threat” or even a “hostile country”. A stable and healthy China-UK relationship is in the interests of the two peoples and beneficial to world peace and prosperity. The important connection should not be “hijacked” by anti-China forces inside and outside the UK. He hoped that the UK could re-adopt an independent, rational and pragmatic policy towards China.

Then the Ambassador pointed out the principles for Chinese enterprises to respond to the current situation. In the face of complicated China-UK relations, Chinese enterprises should consolidate “three confidences”: confidence in China, confidence in the strength of their own, and confidence in the friendship between the two peoples and the long-term development of China-UK business cooperation. As the stabilizer, booster and loudspeaker for the growth of China-UK relations, Chinese enterprise in the UK. He hoped it would continue to tell the “China story” and “win-win cooperation between China and the UK” through their substantial efforts and seek more understanding and support. He also hoped for them to continue with communication with British partners, business customers and communities, maintain a good cooperative relationship, and work hard for the bright tomorrow of China-UK relations.

Photo 2. BAO Ling, Minister Counsellor of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in the UK presides over the forum

Chairman FANG said the Ambassador’s remarks let Chinese enterprises feel the care and trust of the motherland. Maps out the direction for future development of the enterprises. And that makes enterprises confident, enthusiastic about developing in the UK. The Chairman pointed out that Chinese enterprises’ top concerns, whether they are interested in the UK, can be effectively protected and the strategic issues of advance or retreat two points. During the discussion with the Ambassador on essential matters concerning the development of Chinese companies in the UK. By facing the challenges, Chinese enterprises should see the big picture, show the sense of mission and responsibility of Chinese companies, and hold fast and actively seek development opportunities. Further, Chinese enterprises should consider improving their standing in China-UK business relations, play the loudspeaker role better, voice actively to promote exchanges and business cooperation between the two countries and contribute to China’s domestic circulation and international circulation.

Photo 3. FANG Wenjian responds to the Ambassador’s speech

At the forum, the Ambassador offered detailed explanations to issues of concern for the representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises, such as the attitude of the British government towards Chinese companies investing in the UK, the stability of the policy, the risk of being excluded due to political pressure, and guarantee for their investment and personnel safety. The Ambassador suggested Chinese enterprises keep an eye on the changes in British policies, adjust their development strategy according to the situation, advance existing projects, and be careful about investment in new programmes. In addition, they should comply with the laws and regulations of the Chinese and British governments, engage in smooth communication with relevant British government departments, maintain good relationships with UK entrepreneurs and partners, and demonstrate their professional advantages and social responsibility to the British society. That provide more examples of the win-win cooperation between China and the UK. The CCCUK should close ties with British business groups such as the CBBC and the CBI to safeguard China-UK relations jointly.

Photo 4. Representatives from Chinese enterprises in the UK interact with H.E Ambassador LIU Xiaoming

All the business representatives at the forum said Chinese enterprises in the UK would actively respond to risks and challenges, grasp the potential opportunities, promote entrepreneurship to shoulder and share the burden for the country, and contribute to the sound development of China-UK relations.