Premier stresses significance of healthy ties with UK

Jack Flowers shows his newly bought simplified version of Journey to the West, one of the four classics of Chinese literature, at the Guanghwa Bookshop in London, Britain, Jan 24, 2023. (Photo/Xinhua)

Premier Li Keqiang has highlighted the significance of healthy and stable relations between China and the United Kingdom to both nations and the world, saying that Beijing will remain committed to a path of peaceful development.

Li made the remarks on Wednesday as he extended a congratulatory message to the "Icebreakers" 2023 Chinese New Year celebration hosted by Britain's 48 Group Club.

The premier noted that the visionary representatives from the British business community broke the ice with great courage and opened the door to trade between China and the UK 70 years ago.

At present, the international and regional situations are undergoing complex and profound changes, and geopolitics, the world economy, climate change, food, energy security and other fields are facing severe risks and challenges, Li said.

The more difficulties there are, the more the icebreaker spirit must be carried forward, he said, adding that a pioneering and enterprising spirit is required to bolster exchanges and cooperation, properly manage differences and enhance people's well-being.

Li pointed out that China unswervingly adheres to the path of peaceful development, upholds the basic national policy of reform and opening-up, and stands ready to work with all parties to safeguard world peace and promote development and prosperity.

He expressed his hope that the business communities in both nations could contribute more to promoting bilateral friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.

In 1953, a group of British businessmen overcame a number of obstacles and made a trip to China that broke the ice in the West's trade with the nation.

The trip also paved the way for a 1954 trade mission of 48 businessmen from British companies to China, which later became known as the 48 Group, an organization dedicated to promoting trade between the UK and China.