China and the UK in the past year have continued to work together on tackling global challenges especially on biodiversity and climate change – with China hosting the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) and the UK hosting the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).
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In 2022, both countries will mark the 50th anniversary of ambassadorial relations this March. Jo Hawley, British Consul-General in Guangzhou, said: “This anniversary presents an excellent opportunity to reflect on the last 50 years, but also look forward to a future of collaboration, trade and cultural exchange.” She made the remark when sharing the 2022 work arrangements with media friends on January 14.
The UK has continued to be a popular destination for Chinese students. As of September 2021, Chinese nationals had received 135,457 student visas thoroughout the previous year, 13% higher than the year 2019. For every 3 international students to the UK, one of them comes from China.
In the new year, British Consulate-General in Guangzhou will partner with Guangdong Disabled Persons Federation and Norwegian Consulate-General in Guangzhou to co-host a Disability Inclusion Seminar, sharing best practice and examples of creating disability-inclusive workplace environments, and inspire greater employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for persons with disabilities.
As China’s partner for accelerating the transition to a zero-carbon energy system, in South China, the UK aims to support Zhongshan-headquartered Mingyang Smart Energy Group to set up their European manufacturing base in the UK. In 2022, the two sides will work together to locate a site for a joint UK-China demonstration project, to enable the sharing of experience and technology, working together with China to accelerate the global green transition.
China and the UK have agreed to hold the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue in 2022 in due course. The UK stands ready to deepen bilateral economic and financial cooperation, strengthen cooperation in climate change, green finance, economy, trade and investment and push for new progress in bilateral relations.
Author | Hannah
Editor | Steven, Jerry
