Vision needed for Sino-UK ties, envoy says

Sino-British relations have once again come to an important historical juncture and the two countries should continue to focus on maintaining good bilateral ties, according to China’s new ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Speaking at an online welcome event hosted by the Chinese Embassy in the UK, Ambassador Zheng Zeguang said the two countries should stay on the course of cooperation, remove various disruptions and strive for sustained progress in bilateral relations.

“In the face of the new situation and new tasks, it is all the more important that both countries bear in mind the fundamental interests of our peoples and the people of the world,” said Zheng on Tuesday.

China and the UK established ambassadorial diplomatic ties nearly 50 years ago, in spite of differences in ideology and social systems.

“This decision required extraordinary political courage and strategic vision. Since then, China-UK relations have traveled an extraordinary and fruitful journey,” Zheng said. “It has fallen upon us to display the same strategic vision and political courage nearly half a century ago.”

The virtual event was attended by about 600 people from all walks of life, including Jenny Bates, directorgeneral of Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and James Sassoon, a member of the House of Lords and honorary president of the China-Britain Business Council.

Zheng called on the two countries to foster a sensible strategic understanding of one another, and to adopt the right approach toward each other. “A China that pursues peaceful development will pose no threat to anybody; a China that follows a new and Chinese-style path to socialist modernization will only create greater opportunities for the world,” he said.

Seeking common ground

“China is the UK’s partner for cooperation and opportunity for development. China is not a challenge, threat or rival. On this major strategic issue, there should be no misunderstanding or misjudgment.”

The two countries have a lot in common, though the ambassador acknowledged that they do have their differences regarding certain issues. “The right approach to our relations is to seek and expand areas where we have common interests, and focus on and advance cooperation,” he said. “As for differences and disagreements, we should build up consensus and mutual trust through candid dialogues on the basis of respecting each other’s core interests and major concerns.”

Despite the differences, there is major trade potential between the two countries. China became the UK’s largest trading partner in goods in the first quarter of this year, despite the disruption caused by the pandemic.

Zheng said the two countries should expand practical cooperation in more fields that are mutually beneficial, including biomedicine, public health, environmental protection, green finance and new energy vehicles.

Zheng spoke highly of the peopleto-people exchanges between the two nations in areas such as sport, culture and the arts.

“Our two countries have every reason and great potential to expand exchanges, enhance mutual learning and make progress together. The Chinese side welcomes Team GB to the (2022) Winter Olympics in Beijing,” he said.

After arriving in London last month, Zheng presented his Letter of Credence to Queen Elizabeth II on July 7.

Zheng said he hopes to work with the British government and friends from all sectors to promote the sound and steady development of China-UK relations.

The right approach to our relations is to seek and expand areas where we have common interests.”

Zheng Zeguang, China’s ambassador to the UK