On September 9th, a grand reception celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was held at the Guildhall in the City of London. Ambassador Liu Xiaoming and Madam Hu Pinghua hosted more than 500 guests at the event, including Richard Moore, FCO Director General for Political Affairs, Mark Bowman, Director General, International and EU at HM Treasury, Lord Howell of Guildford, Chairman of International Relations Committee of House of Lords, Lord Sassoon, Chairman of the China-Britain Business Council, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chairman-designate of China-Britain Business Council, Lord Green, Chairman of Asia House, Jim O’Neill, Chair of Chatham House, Lord Powell of Bayswater, Lord Giddens, Douglas Flint, the UK Treasury's Belt and Road envoy, William Russell, Alderman-designate of the City of London, Anthony Samuels, Chairman of Surrey County, Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Stephen Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club, Carolyn Fairbairn, Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry, Lionel Barber, Editor of Financial Times, Keith Burnett, President of the Science Council and Member of the Council of the Royal Society, Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of the British Council, Bob Cryan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, and Martin Albrow, international sociologist, and other representatives of the British government, parliament, industry and business, science and education, culture and media sectors, as well as members of London diplomatic corps, international organizations, overseas Chinese and students, and Chinese institutions in the UK.

Ambassador Liu delivered a warm speech. He said that the past 70 years have witnessed the rise of the Chinese nation from the ashes. They have experienced the deep integration and close cooperation between China and the rest of the world. These 70 years are a grand monument in the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. They are monument to both the tremendous changes and the unwavering aspiration.

On the one hand, China has changed tremendously in the past 70 years, so has China’s relations with the world. The once secluded and backward nation China has gone through reforms and opened up to the world. The once impoverished and weak country has gained prosperity and strength. The Chinese people have created an economic miracle through their hard work, a scientific and technological miracle through their intelligence and wisdom, and a miracle of better livelihood through their strenuous efforts. China is approaching the centre stage in world affairs, it is becoming more closely integrated with the world, and it is participating and taking the lead in building a better world.

On the other hand, China has been unwavering in its original aspiration, national spirit and values. China will keep pursuing the happiness for the people and rejuvenation for the nation. China will grow strong, but will not bully. A stronger China will continue to advocate exchanges and mutual learning between different civilizations, pursue peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation with other countries. China is committed to peaceful development and pursues the common good for all. This value has also led China to resolve willingly, readily and fearlessly to act as a guardian of world peace and a defender of world order.

Ambassador Liu said, “This year also marks the 65th anniversary of China-UK diplomatic relationship at the chargé d’affaires level. Looking back, we feel a sense of accomplishment. Looking ahead, we are full of expectations.” And to ensure a steady and sustained development of China-UK relations in the next 65 years, it is crucial to abide by the following four principles.

The first principle is mutual respect. This is the anchor of the “Golden Era”. China and the UK must act in the fundamental interests of the people of the two countries, enhance mutual trust, deal with differences properly, resist disruptions and keep to the direction of the China-UK “Golden Era”. The second principle is open cooperation. This is the basis for common development. China and the UK should focus on development, leverage their comparative strengths and dovetail their strategies, so as to produce win-win results. The third principle is inclusiveness and mutual learning, which is key to building a bridge between hearts. China and the UK should explore various forms and channels to strengthen exchanges between different regions and in different fields. These efforts will help enhance the understanding of respective ideas, deepen the appreciation of different cultures and cement the bond between the people of the two countries, so that China-UK friendship would be well maintained and passed on from generation to generation. The fourth principle is shouldering due responsibilities as major countries for the wellbeing of all mankind. It is important that the two countries shoulder their due responsibilities as major countries, and take the lead in promoting reform in the global governance system, in forging a new type of international relations, and in building a community with a shared future for mankind. Together China and the UK can make greater contribution to peace and prosperity for mankind.

In closing, Ambassador Liu said “What drives China forward in the new era is not only the pursuit of our own dream. It is also the belief that every country deserves to pursue its dream and should work with others to realize the dream of all mankind. This must also be what drives China-UK relationship forward in the new age. Let us ride on the wings of our dreams, remain true to our original aspiration, and write a more splendid chapter for the new era -- an era that is full of hopes and full of opportunities. Let us live up to it!”

FCO Director General Moore read the message of congratulations from Prime Minister Boris Johnson:

“I would like to share my congratulations on the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, in the year that we also celebrate 65 years of UK-China relations at Chargé d’Affaires level. I would like to send my best wishes to you, your colleagues and the many Chinese nationals residing in the United Kindom. The UK’s relationship with China is broad and deep, delivering great benefits for both our countries. And this relationship will continue to be important as the UK prepares to leave the EU. I want to be ambitious with greater trade and investment between our countries, and stronger people-to-people links. As global powers, the UK and China must work together to lead the international response on addressing global challenges, such as climate change, and protecting free trade.”

Moore noted that the congratulatory message of Prime Minister Johnson fully reflect the importance of UK-China relationship. At present, economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges between the UK and China are booming. Not long ago, the tenth UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) was successfully held. Major milestones have been achieved, including the launch of the Shanghai-London Stock Connect and the agreement for new market access for British beef and pork to China. There is clear ambition, desire and drive on both sides to deepen their bilateral relationship. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, the UK and China should enhance cooperation in global affairs such as climate change.

The guests watched the short film China 2019 which tells stories of how ordinary Chinese people pursue their dreams and three themed photo exhibitions entitled Beautiful China, Chinese Enterprises in the UK and the 15th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention. They also enjoyed the traditional Chinese folk music, such as Rising Higher with Every Step, the interactive photo wall with the logo of the event and the Chinese delicacies freshly made on the site, such as roast duck rolls and glutinous rice balls. The guests especially marveled at the Huawei 5G show room and the new Geely electric London taxi in the courtyard of Guildhall.

Guests attending the friendly and warm reception spoke highly of China’s achievements over the past 70 years since its founding and appreciated China’s outstanding contribution to the prosperity, development, peace and stability in the world. They expressed their confidence in China’s future and their hope that China-UK relationship would continue to develop and benefit the people of both countries.

Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, Phoenix TV and other media reported on the reception.