On April 18th, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang attended and delivered a speech at the reception hosted by the All Party Parliamentary China Group (APPCG) and the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) at invitation.

Ambassador Zheng noted that,?to develop China-UK relations, it is important to adhere?to the right perception, uphold mutual respect, and seek dialogue and cooperation. China is embarking on a new journey in the new era to achieve national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernisation.?Some?people?in the UK choose to characterise?China?as?a "challenge"?or even "threat". This does not reflect reality at all.?China does not pose any challenge or threat to any country. It?will only bring shared opportunities?for common development.?Countries should respect each others' sovereignty, territorial integrity and development paths chosen by themselves independently. China opposes?anyone?to use issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang to meddle in its?internal affairs. As epoch-defining transformation is unfolding around the world, it is time for responsible countries to?uphold unity, cooperation and peace and oppose division, confrontation and cold or hot wars.?The UK used to be the lead?among Western countries?when it comes to relations with China. It should not lag?behind now. China and the UK need to work?in the same direction to bring bilateral?relations onto the track of sustained and healthy development?at an early date.

The reception was hosted by APPCG?Chair?Richard Graham, and CBBC Chair Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles delivered a speech?at the event. More than 120 guests including Lords and MPs, representatives from British?government departments, and people from business, education, culture, media and other areas, attended the reception.