On 23 January 23 2024, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang attended the Asia House Annual Outlook 2024 Launch and delivered a keynote speech titled "China is always a staunch force for peace and development in the Asia-Pacific". Minister of State Anne-Marie Trevelyan of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also attended and addressed the event. More than 300 guests participated in the occasion, including senior government officials, business leaders, academics, and members of the diplomatic corps. Various Chinese, British, and international media outlets were present to cover the event.
Ambassador Zheng pointed out in his speech that in the face of an increasingly complex external environment, at home, China stays the course of high-quality development, and advances the building of a strong country and national rejuvenation through the Chinese path to modernisation. And internationally, China stands for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation. China calls on all countries to work together to build a community with a shared future.
Ambassador Zheng emphasised that the year 2023 saw China continuing to be a key engine for the world economy. China’s GDP grew by 5.2% year-on-year. Internal drivers were stronger, and the economy became more digitalised and greener. China's contribution to global economic growth once again exceeded 30%, conveying a very clear message to the world: betting against China has never succeeded in the past, and will not succeed in the future.
Ambassador Zheng stressed that the long-term trajectory of China’s development remains positive. China’s confidence comes from a strong political leadership and the consistency of major policies; the demand generated by a supersize market; the supply supported by a fully-fledged industrial system; abundant talent, capital, and data resources; and innovation underpinned by the rapid development of high-tech industries. China is firmly committed to high-standard opening up and will continue to foster a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment. Businesses from all countries including the UK, are welcome to expand cooperation in China.
Ambassador Zheng emphasised that the Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests. The result of the elections on Taiwan island not long ago has in no way changed the basic fact that Taiwan is part of China and there is only one China in the world. It has never changed the universal commitment of the international community to the one-China principle. And it has never changed the historical trend that China will eventually be reunified. China will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort. But, we will do whatever it takes to thwart any attempt for "Taiwan independence", and any interference from external forces.
Ambassador Zheng noted that as an important member of the Asia-Pacific family, China has always been a staunch force for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Amid changes unseen in a century, China will deepen dialogue and work with all parties to advocate mutual respect, uphold peace, champion openness and cooperation, and embrace exchanges and mutual learning, with the goal of building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future. China continues to seek a China-UK relationship based on mutual respect, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and win-win cooperation. The two countries should enhance communication on Asia-Pacific affairs, increase understanding and trust, and avoid misjudgment and misperception.
