On 6 August 2025, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang met with First Minister of Scotland John Swinney in Edinburgh. The two sides had in-depth discussions on strengthening exchanges and cooperation between China and Scotland across various fields. Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh Zhang Biao was also present.

Ambassador Zheng noted that relations between China and Scotland have maintained a sound momentum. Two-way trade and investment continue to grow, educational and cultural exchanges are close, direct flights between Beijing and Edinburgh have been launched, and some 500,000 Chinese tourists visit Scotland each year. Such cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the people of both sides. 

Ambassador Zheng pointed out that in the face of a complex and challenging external environment, China's economy has demonstrated strong resilience and vitality, growing by 5.3% in the first half of this year. Solid steps have been taken in high-quality development, with significant achievements in technology empowerment, rapid growth in the new energy industry, and steady progress in green and low-carbon transition. China has a super-large market of over 1.4 billion people, including demand from a middle-income group exceeding 400 million. China's development is providing stability and bringing new opportunities to an unstable world. China stands ready to expand friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation with Scotland to deliver greater benefits to the people of both sides.

First Minister Swinney reaffirmed the great importance Scotland attaches to its long-standing friendly cooperation with China. The Scottish government welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Scotland, and welcomes Chinese students and tourists for study and sightseeing.