Today we mark the New Year's Eve and ring in the Year of the Ox. I would like to wish everyone Happy Chinese New Year!

The year 2020 was not an easy year.

Global economic recession was precipitated by the raging pandemic around the world. International travel was severely disrupted. Despite the hardship we experienced, we have managed to continue forging ahead together.

The year 2020 was an extraordinary year for China. The Communist Party of China led the Chinese people to overcome the difficulties and turn in a report that has won the recognition of both the Chinese people and the international community. We made important achievements in the prevention and control of Covid-19, economic and social progress, building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects, and delivering the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The year 2021 is a critical year for both China and the world.

China will celebrate the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and embark on a new journey of implementing the 14th Five Year Plan and building a modern socialist country in all aspects.

Countries in the world will continue to face multiple challenges, including fighting the pandemic, reinvigorating the economy, bridging divisions and rebuilding trust.

As a Chinese saying goes, heaven has its own law and those who follow the right path will go far.

China firmly believes that

• solidarity and cooperation are the right way to meeting global challenges;
• open and win-win cooperation is the right way to world economic recovery;
• inclusiveness and mutual learning are the right way to common progress.
• sincerely hope visionary people from all sectors of our two countries will work together to promote closer China-UK cooperation and contribute more positive energy to China-UK relations.

I hope both China and the UK will keep in mind the big picture, follow the trend of our times, and respect each other, so as to ensure the sound and steady development of this important relationship and deliver more tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries and beyond.

And I hope all my friends will continue to support the endeavour of the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

The cold winter cannot stop the steps of spring. With the care of visionary people from both countries, China-UK relations will surely embrace a warm and bright spring!

At this very special moment, I wish you health, happiness and prosperity in the Year of the Ox!

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