Speech by H.E. Ambassador Liu Xiaoming at the HSBC Chinese New Year Lunch: Gather Our Confidence to Deliver Abundant Outcomes

The third C stands for commitment. China and the UK should take up the responsibilities as major global players and remain committed to open cooperation.

Both China and the UK have benefited from economic globalisation. We both support and safeguard free trade. In face of the challenge of anti-globalisation, it is all the more important that we uphold open cooperation and free trade, and stand together against protectionism.

As business leaders, you have an important role to play. You have the responsibility to encourage the business communities of our two countries to seize the new opportunities in China-UK cooperation after Brexit.

I hope that the UK will continue to foster a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, including Huawei, in this country. I look forward to UK working with China to contribute to the building of an open world economy.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the China-UK "Golden Era". It is important that China and the UK remain committed to mutual trust, mutual benefit and mutual respect for each other's core interests and concerns. This is the only way to ensure the steady and sustained development of the China-UK relations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends:

A most quoted line from China's Tang Dynasty poetry goes like this:

"In the happiness of festival, thoughts of folks back home double."

As we celebrate the Chinese New Year here in the UK, our hearts are with the people back home fighting the new coronavirus, especially the people of Hubei who are on the very frontline of this battle.

The Chinese Government has gone all out to fight the disease since its outbreak. A series of prevention and control measures have been taken. President Xi Jinping has made important instructions on many occasions. He called a meeting of the top leadership a few days ago to map out further plans of epidemic prevention and set up a taskforce to address the crisis.

In face of the grave difficulties, people have shown great love for each other. We are deeply touched and greatly encouraged by British people who expressed their sympathy and willingness to offer help.

I am confident that, under the strong leadership of the Central Government of China, and with the broad support of the international community, including the UK, we have the resolve and capability to beat the virus.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

An ancient Chinese sage once said, "For he who is unstoppably determined, there is no place too far to reach."

In the new year, I hope the Chinese and British business communities will aim high and work together. I am sure you will contribute more "golden fruits" to the China-UK "Golden Era", and deliver more benefits to the peoples of our two countries and beyond!

Thank you!