Hey there, news enthusiasts! 📣 On Wednesday, the Chinese Ambassador to Britain, Zheng Zeguang, called for a revival of the \"icebreaking\" spirit to strengthen China-UK relations. 🇨🇳🇬🇧
Speaking at the annual \"Icebreakers\" Chinese New Year Dinner, Zheng highlighted that in this era of change and turbulence 🌍, cooperation between China and the UK is more crucial than ever. \"We need to draw inspiration from the 'icebreaking' spirit,\" he said, urging both nations to navigate the chilly waters of international relations together. ❄️🚢
Zheng acknowledged recent progress in China-UK ties and emphasized the need to keep up the momentum. \"Let's build upon that and keep things rolling!\" he encouraged. 🔄✨
The ambassador stressed the importance of following through on agreements reached by the leaders of both countries and implementing the outcomes of the 11th Economic and Financial Dialogue held recently in Beijing. 🏦🤝
He also called for renewed collaboration in exciting areas like new energy 💡, artificial intelligence 🤖, science and technology 🧪, trade 💼, education 🎓, and tackling international and regional issues together. 🌐🌱
\"Most importantly,\" Zheng added, \"we should handle our relations with mutual respect, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, and mutual benefit.\" He acknowledged that while differences exist, they should be addressed properly. ✌️💬
Despite headwinds last year, Zheng highlighted China's solid gains in advancing modernization. With a GDP exceeding 134 trillion yuan (that's $18.43 trillion! 💰) and an annual growth rate of 5%, China's economy is cruising ahead. 🚀📈
Looking ahead to the Year of the Snake 🐍, Zheng expressed confidence in China's path of high-quality development and modernization. \"We're staying the course!\" he declared. 🛤️🏞️
Fun fact: Back in 1954, Jack Perry, founder of the London Export Corporation, led 48 British businesspeople on a historic trade mission to Beijing. This \"Icebreaking Mission\" paved the way for modern China-UK trade links, and those pioneers became known as the \"Icebreakers.\" ❄️🧊
Here's to rekindling that adventurous spirit and forging stronger bonds between China and the UK! 🥂🌟
Reference(s):
Chinese ambassador calls for 'icebreaking' spirit for China-UK ties
cgtn.com
