22nd February 2023, London – The Great Britain-China Centre (GBCC) hosted a reception to thank the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mandelson for his contributions as Honorary President and to welcome the Rt. Hon. Sir David Lidington KCB CBE, as the Centre’s new Honorary President.
Sir Martin Davidson, Chair of the GBCC Board, welcomed GBCC’s friends and partners including parliamentarians, civil servants, business representatives, academics and experts, and members of the judicial and legal community. Notable guests included Ambassador Zheng Zeguang from the Embassy of China, Ambassador Markus Leitner from the Embassy of Switzerland, as well as representatives from other embassies and high commissions.
Sir David said: “The story of our century will in large part be about how the world is affected by the growing political, economic and cultural influence of China. Here in Britain, we need to have a hard-headed, pragmatic relationship with China where we discuss frankly with Chinese leaders the values and political issues on which there are profound differences between us, while also finding opportunities to work together on issues like climate and pandemic preparedness where we have interests in common. GBCC’s purpose is to improve understanding in the United Kingdom of how China sees the world and to facilitate a dialogue with Chinese leaders based on candour and mutual respect.”