UK-China trade cooperation urged amid global turbulence

Stephen Perry, chairman emeritus of the 48 Group Club, reflected on the journey of his father, Jack Perry, who pioneered trade with China in the 1950s. He said today's icebreakers for the China-UK relationship need to continue to find new opportunities to facilitate business activities between the two countries.

"Business is the glue between people. If we have more business, we will have more understanding, more relationships and better opportunities," he said.

The 48 Group Club is a London-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Sino-British trade cooperation. The group is named after a UK trade delegation of 48 businessmen, referred to icebreakers, who traveled to Beijing to initiate trade ties with China in 1953, long before the two countries permitted the exchange of ambassadors in 1972.

Commenting on the new tariffs that the United States has imposed on a number of products from China, Perry pointed out that the US government attacked China because of long-run misunderstandings.

"The Americans said they are worried that China becomes a hegemony wanting to rule the world, but that is not a correct understanding of China," he said. "China has not marched across to Europe and taken control. That is not how the Chinese think or do things.

"The Americans misunderstand, and they have a whole bunch of policies based on wrong perceptions. You need to understand, and if you don't, you make big mistakes."

Organized by the UK Chinese Business Association, or UKCBA, the summit, which ran from May 27 to 29 under the theme of illuminating new opportunities for both UK and Chinese businesses, attracted more than 400 attendees.

According to UKCBA Chairman Zhang Jinlong, starting from next year the summit will become an annual event, alternating between China and the UK.