London, 21 February 2025 — The “UK-China Initiative: Building Harmony Together” Charity Gala, jointly organised by the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, was successfully held at the historic Mansion House in the heart of the City of London.

Group Photo

Distinguished guests in attendance included H.E. Zheng Zeguang, the Chinese Ambassador to the UK; Alastair King DL, the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of the City of London,  accompanied by the Lady Mayoress; John Edwards CMG, Director General for Investment at the UK Department for Business and Trade; Fang Wenjian, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK and General Manager of Bank of China London Branch; John McLean OBE, Chairman of the China-UK Business Development Centre; and David Buckley, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Yehudi Menuhin School, among others from the UK and China’s political and business communities. The evening also marked a festive celebration of the Chinese Year of the Snake.

Alastair King DL, Lord Mayor of the City of London, delivers a speech

In his address, Lord Mayor Alastair King DL emphasised the significance of year 2025 for UK-China relations, highlighting recent milestones such as the resumption of the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue in Beijing—its first in six years—and the 10th UK-China Strategic Dialogue between Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He underscored the pivotal role of the financial and professional services sectors in bilateral cooperation and reiterated the City of London’s commitment to strengthening cultural and commercial ties with China. Notably, he announced his upcoming visit to China in March to further these efforts. The Lord Mayor also extended his gratitude to the China Chamber of Commerce and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal for the successful staging of the Chinese New Year Charity Concert, recognising its vital role in fostering cultural exchange and supporting charitable initiatives.

Ambassador Zheng Zeguang echoed these sentiments, noting that the Lord Mayor’s remarks aptly reflected the shared vision between the UK and China for openness, collaboration, and mutual learning between civilisations. He called for both nations to implement the important consensus reached by their leaders, enhance practical cooperation in fields such as finance, trade, culture, and philanthropy, and jointly steer bilateral relations towards a healthy and stable trajectory. He expressed his hope that the business communities of both countries would work hand in hand to seize new opportunities, broaden cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis, and contribute to global peace, stability, and prosperity.

Fang Wenjian, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, remarked that since its launch in 2018, the “UK-China Initiative Initiative” has evolved into a key platform for Chinese enterprises to fulfil their social responsibilities and deepen UK-China friendship. Over the past six years, the initiative has delivered impactful projects across education, healthcare, and culture. He noted that growing philanthropic collaboration between the UK and China not only reflects corporate social responsibility but also enhances mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. Fang also highlighted the recent resumption of the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue as a sign of resilient bilateral economic foundations, and expressed the Chamber’s commitment to working with more partners to promote trade, cultural exchange, and shared development.

H.E. ZHENG Zeguang (first from left), Chinese Ambassador; Alastair King DL (first from right), Lord Mayor of the City of London; and FANG Wenjian (center), Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, General Manager of Bank of China London Branch

Later in the evening, Ambassador ZHENG and Lord Mayor King presented Certificates of Appreciation to sponsors of the City of London Chinese New Year Charity Concert, including Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, and CNOOC Petroleum Europe Limited.

Singer Margaret Keys performs live at the event

A highlight of the evening was a captivating performance by renowned British soprano Margaret Keys, who serenaded the audience with two beloved Chinese songs—The Olive Tree and Farewell—sung in Mandarin. Her heartfelt renditions served not only as a musical treat but also as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, resonating emotionally with guests from diverse backgrounds and adding a special warmth to the evening’s celebrations.

Looking ahead, the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK reaffirms its commitment to advancing UK-China philanthropic endeavours, strengthening economic ties, and fostering deeper cultural exchange between the two nations.