Speech by H.E. Ambassador Liu Xiaoming at the 2020 Chinese New Year Reception for the Chinese Community in the UK: Fruitful Results of Hard Work Lead to Greater Progress in Concrete Steps

2019 saw the Chinese community in the UK hosting celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of New China, attended by more than 100,000 people. I was at many of these events myself, and was deeply touched by the outpouring of love for the motherland. I also had the honour to present the Medal in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China to two overseas Chinese, Mr. Harry Chi-Cheung Lee and Madam Meihua Lin.

2019 saw Lady Xuelin Bates, President of Zhejiang UK Association and Zhejiang UK Business Association, and her husband Lord Bates making a month-long walking journey in Zhejiang Province. This has been documented in The New Stories of Zhejiang. In this documentary, they share with the audience their understanding of the new thoughts, new reforms and new measures of China in the new era. I hosted a screening of the documentary at the Chinese Embassy. The positive response once again convinced me that it is extremely important and necessary to tell China's stories well.

2019 saw the 15th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention held in London successfully and set many records, thanks to the painstaking efforts of the UK Chinese Business Association and the strong support from Chinese communities. I have walked every step of this Convention and I think I am in the position to say that this has been a convention for friendship and cooperation between Chinese entrepreneurs across the world; it has also been a convention for the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the UK.

2019 also saw Chinese communities, Chinese students as well as a large number of Chinese associations in the UK, including the London Chinatown Chinese Association and the Heung Yee Kuk New Territories Overseas Advisory Committee, standing up against anti-China elements seeking to destabilise Hong Kong.

They issued statements, gave interviews, sent letters to UK government officials and organised assemblies to expose the grave harm of violent offences in Hong Kong, support the SAR Government in administering Hong Kong in accordance with law, and support Hong Kong police in strict and rigorous enforcement of the law.

Like many of you, I myself have spoken out on many occasions, reiterating the solemn position of China on safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, opposing violent offences and opposing the interference by external forces. We remain firm in safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and development interests.

I wish to quote a Chinese poem singing in praise of bamboo.

"In the face of all blows, not bending low, it still stands fast.

Whether from east, west, south or north the wind doth blast."

I am confident that any attempt to interfere in China's internal affairs is doomed to fail! Nothing could stop the Chinese people's from marching forward!

Overseas Chinese,

Students,

Dear friends:

The year 2020 will be a milestone. In this year,

China will realise the first centenary goal, that is, to complete the building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects.

We will eradicate absolute poverty, which will be a historic achievement.

And we will embark on a new journey towards greater success.

We will overcome all difficulties and forge ahead with concrete and firm steps.

In the New Year, we will strive for new progress while maintaining overall stability; we will pursue high-quality development by following the new development concept, focusing on supply-side structural reform and promoting reform and opening up; and we will fight and win the "three major battles".

In the New Year, we will continue to work hard in an innovative spirit, and we will try our best to create more "China miracles" in all areas and on all fronts.

In the New Year, we will remain committed to "One Country, Two Systems" and safeguard the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao. We will also remain committed to the one-China principle and the "1992 consensus", and press ahead with the great cause of the peaceful reunification of the nation.

In the New Year, we will

hold high the banners of peace, development and win-win cooperation,

deepen exchanges and cooperation with other countries,

advance the development of the Belt and Road Initiative,

work to build a community with a shared future for mankind,

and make new contribution to world peace and development.

In the New Year, we will embrace the fifth anniversary of the China-UK "Golden Era", keep China-UK relationship on the right direction and deepen cooperation across the board, so that this relationship will go steady, go far, and deliver more tangible benefits to our two countries and peoples.

In the New Year, the Chinese community in the UK will host a number of important events, including the Chinese New Year celebrations and the tenth Conference of the World Guangdong Community Federation.

It is my hope that overseas Chinese, Chinese students and staff of Chinese institutions in the UK will remain true to their original aspiration and come together to enhance their image and achieve new success. We at the Chinese Embassy are always ready to provide better services and offer staunch support.

As we say goodbye to the Year of the Pig and usher in the Year of the Rat, let's join hands and seize the moment to strive to achieve the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation and create a better future for mankind!

Now may I invite you to join me in a toast:

To the continued prosperity and growing strength of our great motherland,

To the happiness of the Chinese people of all ethnic groups,

To further progress in China-UK relations,

To the health and happiness of every overseas Chinese and friend present tonight,

Cheers!