We are pleased to reprint below the report by Morning Star editor Ben Chacko, carried in that newspaper, of the meeting ‘China in Springtime: Sharing Opportunities with the World’, organised by the China Media Group together with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the UK (CCCUK) and the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), with the support of the Chinese Embassy, and held at the Bank of China, in the City of London, the capital’s financial district, on March 17. The key purpose of the gathering was to report on and discuss China’s recent two (parliamentary) sessions and the resulting prospects for business and economic cooperation between China and Britain from the policies rolled out there.
Reporting on the keynote speech delivered by Chinese Ambassador Zheng Zeguang, Ben notes how he, “referenced President Xi Jinping’s three signature initiatives, the Global Development Initiative (for economic co-operation in place of trade systems that benefit corporations in rich countries at the expense of the Global South), the Global Security Initiative (replacing concepts of security based on power blocs like NATO with an inclusive international security architecture) and the Global Civilisation Initiative, which promotes multipolarity and argues for a world order based on respect for different civilisations, rather than one whose institutions have all been designed in the framework of the European political tradition.”
China would meet its five per cent growth target and its role as a scientific innovator should be recognised, he argued, pointing to its leading role in the global green transition (non-fossil fuels accounting for 40 per cent of Chinese electricity generation last year and 70 per cent of all electric vehicles worldwide being sold in China) as well as its progress in quantum technology and AI, most notably with DeepSeek, the “low-cost, open source large language model [which] has stunned the world.
“On sci-tech, we were playing catch-up but have now become a frontrunner.” But unlike the US, which seeks to stymie China’s development by blocking access to chips and software, “we don’t believe in ‘small yard, high fence’ — we believe in mutual learning and sharing.”
Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chairman of CBBC, contrasted China’s “serious government” to too many in the West, pointing out China has a record of achieving its economic growth targets and should be seen as a key export market for British goods and services.
Lord (Neil) Davidson, Labour Member of the House of Lords and former government minister, said London should view China’s advances as opportunities, not threats.
The City should pay close attention to the “BRICS-Pay project – another platform for trade finance as an addition to the dollar-based system… this could be characterised as a threat to dollar hegemony, but historically the City has looked to assess financial innovations for their objective effects rather than rhetoric,” he argued, hinting that Britain too could benefit from an end to US financial supremacy.
“The view that China can be pressured into policies it rejects, if ever true, is plainly bankrupt. The view that China is dependent on the West for technology is eroding speedily. The view that China is merely a low-cost provider of goods belongs in the past,” he added.
We also carry below the report on the event published on the website of the Chinese Embassy. It noted Ambassador Zheng as stating:
“China will promote the development of new quality productive forces, fostering industries such as biomanufacturing, quantum technology, embodied AI, and 6G, and continuously advancing the AI Plus initiative and AI application in different industries. China will expand higher-standard opening up, strengthening policies to stabilise foreign trade and foreign investment, and increasing the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry. China will promote green and low-carbon transition, improving incentives for green consumption, and accelerating the development of a green and low-carbon economy.”
The Ambassador also pointed out that China and the UK should seize opportunities, expand collaboration and create a new future of mutually beneficial cooperation. In the face of a turbulent and changing world, a stable and constructive China-UK relationship is even more important to both countries and the world.
“The two sides must uphold the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and equality, and properly handle differences and sensitive issues. We must say no to those who have been trying to talk China down. We must say no to those who have been trying to undermine normal exchanges between our two countries. We must say no to those who have been trying to disrupt China-UK collaboration.”
Following the formal proceedings and a networking reception, Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force, a 2025 historical blockbuster, was screened.
Could China’s rise be Britain’s opportunity?
Will Labour take a more rational approach to China than the Tories did? Or continue the drive to trade decoupling and war led by the United States?
Optimism was in the air at a China Media Group meeting bringing together the country’s ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang and business figures earlier this week. The Donald Trump government was not named, but its disruptive character was referenced — Zheng observed that “unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise and power politics runs rampant;” the chairman of the China-British Council, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, spoke of the “orange-coloured elephant in the room.”
China in Springtime reported back on the recent Two Sessions, as the simultaneous meetings of China’s national policy-making forums — the legislative National People’s Congress, and the advisory People’s Political Consultative Conference — are known.
Zheng countered propaganda depicting China’s rise as a threat to a “rules-based” — read US-policed — world order. “China champions an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.”
Here he referenced President Xi Jinping’s three signature initiatives, the Global Development Initiative (for economic co-operation in place of trade systems that benefit corporations in rich countries at the expense of the global South), the Global Security Initiative (replacing concepts of security based on power blocs like Nato with an inclusive international security architecture) and the Global Civilisation Initiative, which promotes multipolarity and argues for a world order based on respect for different civilisations, rather than one whose institutions have all been designed in the framework of the European political tradition.
China would meet its 5 per cent growth target and its role as a scientific innovator should be recognised, he argued, pointing to its leading role in the global green transition (non-fossil fuels accounting for 40 per cent of Chinese electricity generation last year and 70 per cent of all electric vehicles worldwide being sold in China) as well as its progress in quantum technology and AI, most notably with DeepSeek, the “low-cost, open source large language model [which] has stunned the world.”
“On sci-tech, we were playing catch-up but have now become a frontrunner.” But unlike the US, which seeks to stymie China’s development by blocking access to chips and software, “we don’t believe in ‘small yard, high fence’ — we believe in mutual learning and sharing.”
And he dismissed attacks on China’s model: “The third key message the Two Sessions convey to the world is: China’s political system works.
“The Two Sessions practise whole-process people’s democracy under the leadership of the Communist Party. This system ensures public participation throughout the entire process of governance,” he said, pointing to the thousands of proposals and millions of online citizens’ opinions that flooded into the Two Sessions via the more than 5,000 deputies to the two meetings.
The language is familiar to China-watchers, but the assembled British businessmen all agreed with Zheng’s assessment. Sir Sherard contrasted China’s “serious government” to too many in the West, pointing out China has a record of achieving its economic growth targets and should be seen as a key export market for British goods and services.
Every speaker welcomed the overtures to China by Chancellor Rachel Reeves as she seeks inward investment unlikely to come from a recession-riddled EU or a protectionist United States. Likewise Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s visit to Beijing which allows Britain to learn from the world leader in renewable tech.
Former Treasury spokesman Lord Neil Davidson said London should view China’s advances as opportunities, not threats.
The City should pay close attention to the “BricsPay project — another platform for trade finance as an addition to the dollar-based system… this could be characterised as a threat to dollar hegemony, but historically the City has looked to assess financial innovations for their objective effects rather than rhetoric,” he argued, hinting that Britain too could benefit from an end to US financial supremacy.
Davidson pointed to the repeated past claims China’s economy would hit the rocks, all disproved by its steady growth.
“The view that China can be pressured into policies it rejects, if ever true, is plainly bankrupt. The view that China is dependent on the West for technology is eroding speedily. The view that China is merely a low-cost provider of goods belongs in the past.”
This was not a political meeting, let alone a socialist one: but it illustrated something worth noting for everyone keen to resist the drive to war and our political class’s slavish attitude to Washington.
There is a strong case for co-operation with China, which could really benefit our economy: and ending US dominance would not be a bad thing for Britain, but open up possibilities of a more independent place for our country in the world.
Ambassador Zheng Zeguang attends the “China in Springtime: Sharing Opportunities with the World” Global Dialogue UK Session and shares the key messages from China’s Two Sessions
On 17 March 2025, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang attended the “China in Springtime: Sharing Opportunities with the World” Global Dialogue UK Session hosted by the China Media Group, the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, and the China-Britain Business Council at invitation and delivered a keynote speech entitled “Seizing New Opportunities of China’s Development and Creating a New Future for China-UK Cooperation,” providing an in-depth briefing on the Two Sessions to people from different sectors in the UK.
Ambassador Zheng shared the key messages the Two Sessions convey to the world. First, with strong confidence and real actions, China will continue to advance Chinese modernisation with high-quality development. The Two Sessions have projected the main targets for development this year, including GDP growth of around 5%, over 12 million new urban jobs, and CPI increase of about 2%.
China will implement a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately accommodative monetary policy, strengthen policy coordination, and make sure that policies once set are effectively delivered. China will boost consumption and expand effective investment. The Central Government has launched a special initiative to optimise the consumption environment and encourage people to spend. At the same time, China will ensure greater support for major national projects. Private investment will be encouraged in major infrastructure projects.
China will promote the development of new quality productive forces, fostering industries such as biomanufacturing, quantum technology, embodied AI, and 6G, and continuously advancing the AI Plus initiative and AI application in different industries. China will expand higher-standard opening up, strengthening policies to stabilise foreign trade and foreign investment, and increasing the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry. China will promote green and low-carbon transition, improving incentives for green consumption, and accelerating the development of a green and low-carbon economy.
Despite the challenges and pressure, China remains confident in achieving our expected development goals.
Second, China will firmly act as an “enabler,” and provide more stability and positive energy for the world. China will continue to be a major engine for the global economy, a strong propeller for global sci-tech innovation, a firm leader in global green transition and a resolute defender of global peace and stability.
China champions an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation. We are ready to work with other countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative, and build a community with a shared future for mankind and create a bright future of world peace and development.
Third, China’s political system is based on our national condition. It works and it delivers. The Two Sessions are a vivid practice of the whole-process people’s democracy under the leadership of the CPC. This system ensures public participation throughout the entire process of governance, covering all aspects of democratic process and all sectors of society. China’s political system is our most important advantage and the secret behind the two miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability over the past more than 70 years.
Ambassador Zheng pointed out that China and the UK should seize opportunities, expand collaboration and create a new future of mutually beneficial cooperation. In the face of a turbulent and changing world, a stable and constructive China-UK relationship is even more important to both countries and the world.
President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in Brazil, pointing the way forward for the growth of bilateral ties. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a successful visit to the UK and held the China-UK Strategic Dialogue with Foreign Secretary David Lammy, agreeing on the roadmap for bilateral exchanges.
China’s continued and stable development presents new opportunities for the development of China-UK relations. The two sides need to make concerted efforts to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, implement the outcomes of the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, the China-UK Strategic Dialogue, and the China-UK Energy Dialogue, and create new highlights of cooperation in financial services, clean energy and AI.
The two sides must uphold the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and equality, and properly handle differences and sensitive issues. We must say no to those who have been trying to talk China down. We must say no to those who have been trying to undermine normal exchanges between our two countries. We must say no to those who have been trying to disrupt China-UK collaboration.
As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major countries with important international influence, China and the UK should enhance communication and coordination in the UN and other multilateral fora, work together to bring stability and certainty to the world.
It is hoped that people of insight from all walks of life in China and the UK will work together, promote mutual understanding, explore new opportunities for cooperation, and bring China-UK relations onto the track of steady and sound development.
Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and President of China Media Group, delivered a video message. Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chair of the China-Britain Business Council, Lord Neil Davidson, Member of the House of Lords and former Shadow Secretary of State for Law and the Exchequer of the Labour Party, Michael Mainelli, the 695th Lord Mayor of the City of London, Xue Wenxia, Vice Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, and Vincent Keaveny, the 693rd Lord Mayor of the City of London, also delivered remarks.
Participants in the dialogue exchanged views on topics such as China’s high-standard opening up, AI, and China-EU cooperation, discussed the future of China-UK trade cooperation, and expressed their willingness to continue to actively participate in and promote mutually beneficial cooperation and friendly exchanges between China and the UK, and play an active role in promoting the stable development of China-UK relations. More than 150 Chinese and British guests from the government and business communities attended the event.
