On 21 January, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang, and his wife, Madam Hua Mei, attended the Chinese New Year’s Gala 2025 held by the Chinese Students & Scholars Association in the UK (CSSAUK) at invitation. Over 900 guests, including Chinese students, scholars and representatives from British universities and educational institutions were present at the event.
Ambassador Zheng extended Chinese New Year greetings to Chinese students and scholars in the UK, and people from different sectors who have long been supporting China-UK education cooperation. He pointed out that over the past year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, Chinese people of all ethnic groups have united as one, and worked diligently to implement reform measures rolled out at the third plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and promote high-quality development and Chinese modernisation. China has taken a series of measures to make steady progress for the economy, and the tasks have been completed. New achievements were also made in education, science and technology, culture, public health and national defense.
In the face of the challenging and turbulent international situation, China has held high the banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind, breaking new ground while upholding fundamental principles. China’s head-of-state diplomacy and home-ground events have been immensely successful. New breakthroughs have been made in major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and China’s international influence and status have registered further growth.
With joint efforts of both sides, there has been new progress in China-UK relations. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Keir Starmer had a successful meeting in Brazil, pointing the way forward for the development of China-UK relations. China is ready to work with the UK, stick to the positioning of strategic partnership, uphold mutual respect, openness and cooperation, and strive for stable and mutually-beneficial China-UK relations.
Ambassador Zheng spoke highly of Chinese students’ achievements over the past year. In 2025, China will fully complete the 14th Five-Year Plan, which will surely open up even broader prospects in Chinese modernisation. The development of China depends on the wisdom and talents of overseas students, and also offers a broad platform for them to use their talents and achieve big things. It is hoped that Chinese students in the UK will love the motherland, study hard, support each other, and make contributions to the development of China and the rejuvenation of the nation.
Prof. Alistair Fitt, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University and Zhong Shaohong, President of CSSAUK also delivered remarks. Prof. Fitt noted that Oxford Brookes University values its exchanges and cooperation with China, especially the role of the Confucius Institute in promoting language learning, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections between the two countries. He expressed readiness to continue to support cooperation and exchanges between the two great nations.
President Zhong Shaohong said that CSSAUK will continue to uphold its mission of “serving Chinese students and promoting China-UK friendship”. The association remains dedicated to supporting Chinese students in the UK with their studies, daily lives, and career development, while fostering friendly exchanges between Chinese and British youth.
Themed "Golden Dreams, Harmonious Spring", the Chinese New Year’s Gala brought to its audience brilliant performances including singing, dancing, instrumental music and drama shows. Performers included both Chinese and local students, who with their youthful energy, presented the charm of Chinese culture and the beauty of China-UK cultural exchanges.
