In his first public appearance as China\u2019s ambassador to the UK, Zheng Zeguang emphasized the importance of strengthening trade relations despite existing challenges. Speaking at a webinar celebrating 20 years of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, Zheng highlighted that China remains the UK\u2019s fifth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $112 billion annually.
While political tensions persist over issues like Hong Kong\u2019s future and allegations regarding human rights in Xinjiang, Zheng remains optimistic. \"China creates opportunities for the UK rather than poses a threat,\" he stated, underscoring the value of a stable macro-environment for businesses in both countries.
Over the past two decades, economic ties have surged, with exports increasing by nearly 900%. The China-Britain Business Council chair, Sherard Cowper-Coles, noted that more than 800 Chinese-owned companies operate in the UK, providing jobs for around 75,000 people.
Despite a more cautious stance from the current UK government towards Chinese investments, especially in sensitive sectors like telecommunications, Zheng believes that maintaining strong business connections is crucial. \"We are at a critical juncture,\" he said, encouraging continued collaboration to navigate differences and respect each other\u2019s core interests.
As China and the UK navigate this pivotal period, the focus remains on leveraging economic partnerships to foster mutual growth and stability. 🌍💬✨
