Keynote Speech by H.E. Ambassador Liu Xiaoming at the APPCG Q&A with Ambassador on the 'Two Sessions': Understand the 'Two Sessions', Build up Consensus and Create a Bright Future

Second, China will pursue peaceful development through win-win cooperation.

As China grows, the question of whether China and the US can avoid the "Thucydides Trap" becomes a hot topic.

As someone who had worked on China-US relations for many years, I know all too well that in this relationship, both countries stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation.

I know that you have followed closely the China-US trade frictions. On this issue, China has followed the principles of mutual respect and equality. We have sought to address the differences through dialogues and consultation. And we have worked to expand consensus for cooperation. Our goal is to promote the steady development of China-US relations based on coordination and cooperation, so as to deliver more benefits to the people of the two countries and the rest of the world.

China is committed to the path of peaceful development. This means:

· We do not create trouble, but we are not afraid of trouble.

· We do not undermine other countries' interests or seek sphere of influence.

· We will not go down the beaten path of Western powers to let China's development lead to hegemony.

With the wisdom and hard work of our people, China is capable of blazing a new path of peaceful development – one that features mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

Third, China will uphold fairness and justice, and take the lead in the reform of the global governance system.

The world is undergoing rapid development, profound transformation and deep adjustments. Reform of the global governance system represents the trend of the times and the aspiration of the people.

In particular, reform of the WTO is the focus of global attention. As a participant, beneficiary and contributor of international trade, China supports necessary reform of the WTO.

But unlike certain country, we do not advocate "China first" or seek to reinvent the wheel. In the interest of fairness and justice, China opposes protectionism and unilateralism categorically, upholds the rule-based multi-lateral trade system and supports the reasonable appeals of developing countries.

Going forward, China will continue to shoulder its responsibilities and work for greater effectiveness and democracy in the global governance system.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The Chinese people believe that lessons from the past could show the direction for the future.

This year is of special significance to both China and the UK.

· It is the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

· It is also the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-UK diplomatic relationship at the level of chargé d'affaires.

In the past, China and the UK had supported each other in our respective development. In the future, the interests of our nations will remain deeply intertwined and our development goals interconnected.

In face of the profound changes in the world unseen in a century, China stands ready to work with the UK to build up consensus, enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation.

Together we will create a brighter future for the China-UK "Golden Era"!

Thank you!

Now I would like to take your questions.