UK's Chinese community celebrates 77 years of fast progress

About 600 guests from all walks of life in the United Kingdom came together in London on Tuesday to celebrate the upcoming 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

China's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Zheng Zeguang delivered a speech in which he said that during the past 77 years, since its founding on Oct 1, 1949 and under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the nation had accomplished an industrialization process that took many developed countries centuries to achieve, creating the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.

Zheng also noted that the leaders of China and the UK had agreed to remain committed to developing a long-term, stable, and comprehensive strategic partnership, and to further advance high-level exchanges and cooperation across various fields.

China and the UK, both as major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, share a relationship that transcends the bilateral scope and carries global significance, he added.

He praised the Chinese community in the UK for making important contributions to local economic and social development, and for playing a unique role in strengthening friendship and cooperation between the peoples of China and the UK.

Wu Lili, chairperson of the celebration organizing committee and president of the UK Hunan Association, said the prosperity and stability of China provide a strong and lasting source of confidence for Chinese communities overseas.

"At the same time, we embrace cultural diversity and strive to present a comprehensive, authentic, and multifaceted picture of China, while contributing to greater mutual understanding between the peoples of China and the UK," Wu said.

Ollie Shiell, chief executive of the UK National Committee on China, said he believed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham would continue to seek a constructive relationship with China, adding that the UK government and most political parties had concluded this was the best way forward.

"It's just lovely to see the relationship in a more constructive and positive frame, and it's lovely that it is stable and consistent," Shiell said. "That's better for China, better for the UK, and better for the world, particularly at a time of great disruption."

He also noted the real economic benefits brought by the UK's Chinese community.

Shiell said Chinese businesses employ more than 100,000 people in the UK and localize innovation of leading sectors here, including electric vehicle and robotics.

"Also, the UK is a safe and good place for Chinese companies to go global from, with the strength of the English language, professional services firms, and the stability of the rule of law. China and UK are natural partners," he said.

Simon Peters, director of Korrect Software, a UK-based music royalty software provider, said he was very positive about China's economic environment and was planning to start his own business there next year.

He cited the Global Music Report 2026, released by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, or IFPI, that shows China has overtaken Germany to become the world's fourth-largest music market, with revenue growing by 20.1 percent, the fastest growth among the world's top 20 music markets.

He added that it is important for people to see China for themselves.

"If you get to know the real China, then I think your eyes are opened and it's so different," he said.