British deputy PM hosts Chinese New Year Reception

The children's chorus from London Pei Ying Chinese School performe several Chinese New Year songs at the British deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg's Chinese New Year Reception.[Photo by Zhang Chunyan / China Daily]

With the cheerful Chinese songs of children's chorus, the British deputy Prime Minister hosted a Chinese New Year Reception in central London.

Nick Clegg sent his good wishes to the Chinese communities residing in the UK and across the world during a reception held on Tuesday afternoon at Admiralty House, Whitehall.

For the occasion, the London Pei Ying Chinese School children's chorus performed several Chinese New Year songs happily.

Clegg said in his speech that this year is tremendously important year in the developing relationship between the UK and China.

"Through and with Chinese communities around the world, Britain is now the number one destination for Chinese investment anywhere in the European Union, much as Britain is the second largest investor in China from the EU," Clegg said.

"The commercial relationship between China and the UK is growing all the time," he said, adding that "Chinese investment is not just in the economic hot house of London, but in all parts of the UK, and it's very much welcomed everywhere in the UK."

The cultural links between the two countries are tremendously important as well, Clegg added, as shown by the London Pei Ying Chinese School.

The deputy Prime Minister also noted that this is the year 2015 of Cultural Exchange between the UK and China, and about 30 cultural events will be held in China – including the Scottish Ballet Company performing Romeo and Juliet in Beijing at some point in the course of the year.

"It's not just about the links that bind us together commercially, but also about the greater mutual understanding between the two countries, which is always deepened through cultural exchange," he said.

Dozens of people from the Chinese community in the UK took part in the event, alongside British companies and British people who have links with China.

Prime Minister David Cameron also hosted a Chinese New Year reception on Monday evening and said in his speech that he recognises the rise and success of modern China and of the UK and China's bilateral trade relations.

Carlotta Clivio contributed to this story.