Chinese ambassador predicts growing ties with UK

China's ambassador to the United Kingdom, Liu Xiaoming, used an ancient Chinese phrase when praising the power of "cooperation and concerted efforts" between the two nations in a speech on Tuesday night.

Addressing all walks of people, ranging from senior British officials including Chancellor Philip Hammond and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to Chinese community representatives and businessmen, Liu made the speech at a reception to mark China's National Day in London.

It was the seventh National Day reception the ambassador has hosted in Britain's capital. Liu summed up the "remarkable achievements in China-UK relations."

At top leadership level, the "super State Visit" to the UK by President Xi Jinping last October marked a significant milestone, according to Liu.

The ambassador also said he was "pleased to see that Prime Minister May attended the G20 Summit in Hangzhou and had a successful bilateral meeting with President Xi."

At ministerial level, Hammond has so far made four visits to China this year, first as Foreign Secretary and latterly as Chancellor. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his UK counterpart

Boris Johnson held a meeting during the UN General Assembly in New York last week.

The ambassador reiterated the "golden era" of the two nations' relations, which remained unchanged after the Brexit vote and UK's cabinet reshuffle.

He particularly referred to the recent approval of Hinkley Point nuclear plant deal, in which China has a significant investment, as the example of UK's welcoming environment for Chinese businesses.

In reciprocal manner, Chinese businesses "cast their vote of confidence" with continuing investments and contracts here in the UK after the referendum on June 24, according to the ambassador.

Before analyzing the future of bilateral relations, the ambassador quoted an ancient Chinese saying:

"If two people are of the same mind, their strength can cut through metal, and their consensus-based argument is as appealing as the fragrance of orchid flowers."

A slate of high-level exchanges can be expected in the upcoming months, according to Liu, in a move to further increase political mutual trust between the two nations.

Hammond will co-host with Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai the eighth China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, while Hunt is heading to China as co-host of the fourth-meeting of the China-UK High Level People to People Dialogue.

Meanwhile Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi will come to London for a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Johnson.

To contact the reporter: zhaosiyuan@chinadaily.com.cn