On 29 June 2023, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang visited Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and met with Mayor of the city, Kate Rolfe.

Ambassador Zheng said that China and Stratford-upon-Avon have forged bond of friendship by culture and have a good foundation for cooperation. Both Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare, contemporaries of their age, were bright stars in the history of Chinese and English literature.

Ambassador Zheng noted that thanks to President Xi Jinping's proposal, the two sides have sought to deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges through the commemoration of the two literary giants, and Tang Xianzu's hometown, Fuzhou in China’s Jiangxi Province, has established a sister-city relationship with Stratford-upon-Avon.

Ambassador Zheng said that China will continue to support the friendship and cooperation between two cities and deepen exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilisations to enhance public support for China-UK relations.

Mayor Rolfe welcomed Ambassador Zheng and said that her city is proud of its friendly cooperation with Fuzhou. She said that, during her visit to Fuzhou, she was deeply touched by the commemoration of Shakespeare and recreation of Shakespeare’s New Place there. She expressed hope that the UK and China will take the commemoration of the two great playwrights as an opportunity to strengthen cultural exchanges, promote practical cooperation, and deepen the friendship between the British and Chinese peoples.

Counselor Hua Mei, wife of Ambassador Zheng Zeguang, Minister Counselor Bi Haibo and Counselor Kong Xiangwen joined the meeting.