The Chinese Consulate-General in Manchester, a major industrial city in northwestern England, hosted a reception on Sunday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which is on Oct 1.
The event, held at the Hilton Deansgate Manchester, was attended by around 300 guests, including various government officials, diplomats, and representatives of local Chinese communities. Students from the University of Manchester and well-known singers gave performances featuring traditional Chinese clothes and music.
In his welcoming speech, Tang Rui, Chinese consul-general in Manchester, noted that during the telephone conversation between President Xi Jinping and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer last month, both leaders believed that a closer relationship between China and the United Kingdom would benefit the two countries, and agreed to maintain exchanges at all levels, promote stable and long-standing bilateral relations and work together for world peace and development.
"History has shown that Sino-British cooperation is favorable to both countries and the world," said Tang. "The Chinese Consulate General in Manchester is ready to join hands with insightful people from all walks of life to deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields in pursuit of sustained, mutually beneficial, stable and healthy China-UK relations."
Addressing the event, the Lord-Lieutenant of Great Manchester Diane Hawkins, who represents the King in the area, congratulated China on the historic achievements the country has made in the past 75 years and said she noticed both China and the UK shared similar expectations for economic development, social harmony, and people's overall well-being.
"We are frequently confronted with a bewildering array of challenges and concerns brought about by differences. But there is always an opportunity to stand together and celebrate that difference, creating an understanding and peaceful community," she said.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Paul Andrews, said as a diverse and international city, Manchester has benefited from trade and collaboration with China for 150 years, and has had a fruitful sister-city relationship with Wuhan in China's Hubei province for 38 years.
"Manchester's relationship with China entered a golden age following President Xi Jinping's historic visit in 2015. We have subsequently benefited from a number of new strategic relationships with prominent Chinese cities and provinces that are keen to develop mutually beneficial relationships," said Andrews, adding that the city continues to welcome thousands of Chinese tourists and students every year.
Lisa Kit Yee Yam, president of the Federation of Chinese Associations of Manchester, said China's journey over the past 75 years, from a nation facing incredible challenges to a global leader in economy, diplomacy, science, and technology, is a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination of its people.
"For many of us, our lives may be spread across two worlds, the land of our ancestors and the country we now call home, but days like today remind us no matter where we are, we are part of a global Chinese community united by our shared history, language, and culture," said Yam.
"Let us continue to strengthen the ties between China and the UK, fostering the friendship, understanding, and cooperation between these two great countries."
