On 5 February 2024, the “Icebreakers” Chinese New Year Dinner was jointly hosted by the 48 Group Club and the China Britain Business Council and the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK. Over 500 guests from different sectors in China and the UK were present at the event. Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of China sent a congratulatory message to the gathering. H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang attended the event and read out Premier Li’s message at the dinner.
In his congratulatory message Premier Li Qiang pointed out that over the years, the 48 Group Club has actively promoted economic and trade exchanges and people-to-people interactions between China and the UK, which has promoted mutual benefit and deepened mutual understanding between the two sides. The historic contributions made by the elder generation of British friends will always be remembered. Practice has fully proved that closer cooperation between China and the UK not only serves the fundamental interests of both sides and but also contributes to world peace and prosperity. It is hoped that people with vision from all walks of life in both countries will carry forward the “icebreaking” spirit, continue to take active and vigorous actions and make new contributions to the friendship between the two people and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries at a higher level.
In his remarks, Ambassador Zheng pointed out that Premier Li’s message speaks volumes about the importance the Chinese government attaches to China-UK relations and expresses full recognition of the contributions made by generations of “icebreakers” to China-UK friendship. It also sends out a call for action to promote the steady development of China-UK relations. It is hoped that people with vision from all walks of life in both countries will actively respond to Premier Li’s call, and be “icebreakers” in the new era, mainstream the right perspective, follow the spirit of mutual respect, promote mutually beneficial cooperation and contribute to addressing global challenges, and make relenting efforts to deepen the mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.
Mr Stephen Perry, Honorary President of the 48 Group Club thanked Premier Li for his message, and said that China is advancing at a greater pace than anyone understands. China’s system and path have been proven successful. A strategy based on stopping China will not succeed. The history of UK-China relations has shown that engagement and cooperation is the only right choice. The 48 Group Club is ready to make new contributions to mutually beneficial cooperation between the UK and China.
Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chair of the CBBC, Mr Fang Wenjian, Chairman of CCCUK, Mr Dominic Barton, Chair of Rio Tinto, Mr Jack Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club, and representatives of PetroChina and HSBC, among other Chinese and UK businesses, in their remarks, praised China’s development achievements and unique strengths, and said that the Chinese and UK business communities stand ready to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and contribute more to the sound and sustained development of China-UK relations.
