Premier Li revisits 'icebreaker' spirit, urges greater stability in Sino-British relations

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday delivered a video speech at a New Year banquet held by Britain's 48 Group Club.

Sixty-eight years ago, a group of far-sighted British, represented by Jack Perry, broke the ice and opened the door to Sino-British trade, providing precious spiritual wealth for the friendly exchanges between the two countries, Li said.

As long as both countries carry on that "icebreaker" spirit from generation to generation and stay true to promoting friendship and development, there will be no ice that cannot be broken or differences that cannot be settled, he said.

2020 was an eventful year for China, Britain and the entire world. China's economy grew 2.3 percent year on year, which was a hard-won achievement, Li said.

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic still poses severe challenges and the world economy continues to face a multitude of uncertain and unstable factors, Li said China will keep its macro-policies consistent, stable and sustainable, and ensure that its economy runs within a reasonable range.

Britain is an important partner of China in Europe, and China always attaches great importance to developing bilateral relations, he said.

Both countries should expand cooperation and enhance the stability of bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment, said the premier.

China is willing to join hands with Britain and all other countries to defeat the pandemic as soon as possible, promote economic recovery and cope with global challenges.

Initiated in 2009, the New Year banquet is held annually by the 48 Group Club, which serves as a communication platform for both Chinese and British people.

This year's banquet, the first to be held online, attracted over 1,000 British people.