Lunar New Year alive in London
When I stepped into London’s 10 Downing Street on Monday evening, I found Lunar New Year in full swing.
As British Prime Minister David Cameron held a reception at his official residence, dozens of Chinese-style red lanterns, big and small, dangled around the winding stairs from the ground floor to the upper stories.
From the entrance hall to individual rooms, there were lots of traditional Chinese red envelopes decorated with gold characters proclaiming happiness and wealth. Many red envelopes also included cartoon characters of sheep, since 2015 is the Year of the Sheep or goat, according to Chinese zodiac. Red envel- opes contain gifts of money, an old Chinese tradition.
I even found several bottles of Chinese baijiu in the reception area, along with bottles of sauce produced by Chinese twin sisters who lived in Britain.
“With more Chinese decorations, the atmosphere of Chinese New Year is stronger at 10 Downing Street than in past years,” one businessman enjoying his third such reception said, adding that the British government is expecting more of the Chinese market and investment.
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, Monday was the fifth day of the year, which means it was the welcoming day for the God of Wealth. I’m not sure whether 10 Downing Street knows it, but all kinds of cooperation with China will add up to wealth.
Cameron was happy with all the achievements in investment, trade, education and cultural exchange that China and Britain have made so far.
In his ebullient speech for the Chinese New Year, he said, “Our economic relationship goes from strength to strength. Since we came to office, the number of British goods bought in China has doubled.”
Bilateral trade has also doubled since 2009. The target for this year is $100 billion. Cameron is proud that British automobiles have gained popularity in China, and Downton Abbey draws a reported 160 million viewers in China.
Cameron said that the projects like Heathrow Airport and Thames Water have been made stronger thanks to Chinese investment, and Britain always welcomes Chinese investment, including in nuclear projects.
“Our universities are better, thanks to the 100,000 Chinese students who study here. And our country is better, thanks to British-Chinese people who make such a great contribution to our culture, communities, businesses and public services.” Cameron mentioned Prince William’s visit to China in March.
Cameron said he expects the new year can be a truly golden one for Britain and China. Wishing Chinese the best of health and happiness, he said in Chinese, “Xin nian kuai le,” or “Happy New Year”, and received warm applause.
Several British businessmen who joined the reception told me that their companies now are collaborating with Chinese partners and are planning to explore the potential of Chinese markets.
In the crowd, I saw the red envelopes again. Lying quietly in the landmark building, they also herald a fruitful new year.