On 9 September 2019, the Chinese Embassy in London hosted a grand “Reception to Celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China”, displaying the “Achievements of Chinese Enterprises in the UK” in the forms of photos and images. The display was sponsored by Chinese Embassy in the UK and undertaken by the CCCUK. Present at the reception and visiting the display were LIU Xiaoming, Chinese Ambassador to the UK; Richard Moore, Director General for Political Affairs at the British Foreign Office; BAO Ling, Minister Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in the UK; FANG Wenjian, Chairman of the CCCUK; member of the British Parliament, envoys of countries to the UK, and over 500 Chinese and British people from all walks of life.

The photo exhibition displayed precious pictures taken during 1949 to 2019, showcased the development and major achievements of Chinese enterprises in the UK since the founding of the People’s Republic of China 70 years ago, witnessed China’s reform and opening up and the development of China-UK business relations, and won praise as the best epitome of the China-UK “Golden Era”.

Photo 1. H.E. Ambassador LIU Xiaoming delivers a speech at the reception

The Ambassador addressed the reception, pointing out that over the 70 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the country has made remarkable achievements. Formerly isolated and backward, poor and weak, now China embraces reform and opening up to grow strong and prosperous, striking the world with the “tremendous changes” to its strength and outlook. The past 70 years saw China move from the periphery to the center of the world stage, integrate into the world, participate in and lead the construction of the world. In the past 70 years, china’s relations with the world have undergone “tremendous changes”. However, in the process of going global, China always remains true to its aspirations to seek happiness for the people and rejuvenation for the nation, always remain persistent in pursuit of self-renewal, and always remains committed to peaceful development. The Ambassador highlighted four crucial principles for China-UK relations to enjoy steady and sustained growth. First, the two countries should uphold mutual respect and move in the direction of the “Golden Era”. Second, China and the UK should stick to opening up and cooperation to consolidate the foundation for common development. Third, we should stick to inclusiveness and mutual learning to promote mutual understanding between the two peoples. Fourth, China and the UK need to fulfill their responsibilities as a major power and explore new ways to benefit the mankind. The Ambassador concluded his speech with hope that concerted efforts are made to usher in a bright tomorrow for China in the New Era and China-UK Relations in the New Era.  

Photo 2. Director General Richard Moore delivers a speech

Director General Richard Moore read out the congratulation from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who greeted the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UK at charge d ‘affaires level. The Prime Minister said in his congratulation that the further development of China-UK relations has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples, and that amid the Brexit China-UK relations are of particular importance. The Director General said, at present, the two countries have close exchanges and extensive cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, education and tourism. In June this year, the 10th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue was held, yielding fruitful results, such as the launching of Shanghai-London Stock Connect, and lifting of the ban on British beef and pork exports to China. At the level of international affairs, China and the UK should work together for greater contributions to addressing climate change and promoting free international trade. He hoped for the two countries to strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges to build a better future.

Photo 3. FANG Wenjian, Chairman of the CCCUK presents the achievements of Chinese companies in the UK

FANG Wenjian, Chairman of the CCCUK offered a vivid account of the pictures on display, and presented to the guests what Chinese enterprises in the UK have achieved. Earth-shaking changes have occurred to China since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Thanks to reform and opening up, a growing number of Chinese enterprises are operating overseas, including the UK. In the recent years, Chinese enterprises in the UK, by riding the rapid growth of China economy, have registered steady development and growth. While creating for the two countries huge wealth, they are assuming more social responsibilities where they are operating.

Photo 4. The reception

On the evening of the same day, the participants spoke highly of the achievements of China-UK cooperation and looked forward to a brighter tomorrow for China-UK cooperation. The guests visited the “Beautiful China Photo Exhibition” and “World Chinese Businessmen Exhibition” at the reception in a warm atmosphere, and tasted local delicacies with Chinese characteristics.