On 26 January 24, 2022, the Chinese Consulate General in Belfast held an virtual celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Tiger. Consul General Zhang Meifang delivered a keynote speech. The full transcript of the speech is as follows.
Rt Hon Lord-Lieutenant Mrs. Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle,
Hon First Minister Paul Givan, Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill,
Junior Ministers Gary Middleton and Declan Kearney,
Hon Sir Jeffrey Donaldson,
Lord Mayor, Mayors and Chairs of City Councils,
Leaders of the Chinese Community,
Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends,
In 5 days time, we will celebrate the Chinese New Year. The zodiac sign of the Lunar New Year is the Tiger, which symbolizes bravery, victory, an indomitable spirit. Virtues and character traits I believe we would all agree the world would welcome.
On behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Belfast, I would like to extend my festive greetings to all our friends who have cared about and supported the friendly relationship between China and Northern Ireland. Wishing you all a most happy Chinese New Year.
But before we get there…
2021 was the most extraordinary year in contemporary Chinese history! In 2021, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, marking the major achievements and historical experience of the party. Inclusive of this is building of a moderately prosperous society all-around, along with the success of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Party.
Over the past year, we have as well experienced a good beginning to the "14th Five-Year Plan". China’s GDP for 2021 exceeded 110 trillion yuan, representing an increase of 8.1% over prior year 2020. Annual import and export exceeded 6 trillion US dollars for the first time.China made solid headway in advancing common prosperity.
In 2021, we continued to carry out effective anti-epidemic diplomacy. China has remained steadfast in promoting global anti-pandemic cooperation, and to date, provided nearly 2 billion vaccine doses to more than 120 countries and international organizations. Over the past year, China has held true to its commitment to multilateralism and the pursuit of common values for humanity.
All of these accomplishments serving as demonstrations of our word through measurable action!
Ladies and gentlemen,
The past year also witnessed the China-UK relationship overcoming various obstacles, making new headway and bringing more tangible benefits to the peoples of the two peoples.
Last year President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Boris Johnson were able to reach important consensus on promoting healthy and stable development of China-UK relations, which will be further implemented by us both.
In 2021, the trade in goods between the two countries exceeded for the first time $100 billion US dollars. China’s import from the UK and export to the UK increased by 29% and 22% respectively.
Exchanges between the two countries in education, culture and sports continued to deepen.
The two countries successfully hosted the COP15 and COP26 respectively, stepped up communication and coordination on addressing climate change and preserving biological diversity, and made positive contribution to global green developtment.
China attaches great importance to cooperative relationships such as the one we share with Northern Ireland. Our valued relationship remains a vital component of China-UK relations. China and NI will always be good friends and good partners, of this I am certain.
Last year, our two sides achieved much despite the difficulties and challenges created by the pandemic.
First, enthusiasm on cooperation remains strong. In 2021, the first International Export Conference for exporters on China was successfully held. At the 4th China International Import Expo, Mallaghan Engineering signed an agreement with China Eastern Airlines. Lakeland Dairies signed a purchase memorandum with China Nanqiao Group. These as just a few examples of mutually beneficial agreements forged.
Second, we have made much headway with our sister-city alliances. Working together, we promoted the mayors of Shenyang and Belfast, Dalian and Derry/Londonderry, Leshan and Mid-East Antrim, Foshan and Lisburn to exchange congratulatory letters and express their sincere wishes for post-pandemic cooperation.
We also helped Shenyang-Belfast, Huangshi-Fermanagh and Foshan-Lisburn to hold productive online meetings, discussing further sister-city cooperation. Guided by the 14th Five-Year Plan, we have introduced the new model and new opportunities with respect to China's development to all parts of Northern Ireland.
Third, over the last year we experienced together continuous progress in the area of educational cooperation. I was privileged to witness firsthand through virtual means the graduation of more than 100 students from China Medical University-The Queen's University of Belfast Joint College. We worked along with Queen's University to successfully arrange additional chartered flights carrying over 800 Chinese students from Beijing to Belfast.
Fourth area of accomplishment past year is our cultural cooperation, which I am pleased to say continues to deepen. This past year, I participated in the "Chinese Culture" Forum held by Ulster University. China and Northern Ireland Youth Cultural Exchange Events were also successfully held.
I want to mention in particular, just a few days ago, the wonderful Millburn School Choir succeeded in performing the original Chinese version of the theme song of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics! Their sending of best wishes for this year’s Winter Games warmed the hearts of tens of millions of Chinese. The program went viral, and was even broadcast on CCTV prime news, spreading their unbridled joy to numerous other Chinese media outlets, making the kids instant online celebrities again!
Just the thought of them all brings yet another smile, along with a continued hope for what is possible when we come together as one!
As Consul General, I am very proud of our good work together in 2021. Of the many achievements made between us in the areas of economy and trade, the fields of culture and education. Recognizing all of this could not have been made possible without the strong support from senior leaders of Northern Ireland’s Executive Office, respective 11 city councils, the Chinese Community, and friends from all walks of life.
I would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank you” from the bottom of my heart.
Esteemed Friends,
As extraordinary as 2021 has been for us all in so many ways, those previously mentioned and others still, we hold in great anticipation and are highly encouraged by what awaits us all, the achievements we may expect in the Lunar New Year!
The year 2022 is an important year on many levels, as we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ambassadorial diplomatic relations between our two countries. We will hold an online celebration event which we hope you will honor us with your presence.
The Chinese Consulate General would seize the opportune and stand ready to do all we can to take our bilateral relationship to even greater heights.
First, we will advance our economic and trade cooperation to a new level. Encourage more Chinese enterprises to visit Northern Ireland to explore business opportunities and strengthen cooperation that prove of mutual benefit -- a win-win for everyone! And help enterprises in NI to expand their business opportunities in China.
Second, we will continue expanding education cooperation opportunities. Supporting Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University in cooperation with Chinese universities for the running of Joint Colleges. Continue to actively support the Confucius Institute at Ulster University to deepen cultural communication. Continue to assist in the chartering of flights to help Chinese students continue to enjoy a "Safe and Healthy Air Corridor.”
Third, we hope to deepen the people-to-people exchanges in 2022. Increase the links and exchanges with Northern Ireland institutions in the fields of culture, art, tourism, and sports. Fourth, we hope to deepen sister-city relationships further.
These and other achievements are in our mutual sights for the year forthcoming, achievements I am confident we may realize under our valued spirit of cooperation, and with an adjoined and innovative mindset!
Ladies and Gentlemen, members of this great global society,
I would like to finish by shining a spotlight on the event forthcoming of which we are all both thrilled and proud!
In less than 10 days, the 24th Winter Olympic Games will be hosted in Beijing on Feb 4 as scheduled. Beijing will go down in history as the world’s first “dual Olympic city”. The successful hosting of the Games amid the backdrop of a ravaging pandemic will help unite the world further in our collective effort against this global health crisis.
The world is expecting – and China is poised to deliver – a streamlined, safe and splendid Olympiad. We continue to welcome athletes and other participants in Beijing, and hope each will have an Olympic Games experience as meaningful as it is memorable, while inviting the world at large to join in the excitement. May it serve as reminder to us all of what may be accomplished through an innovative and cooperative spirit!
The Year of the Tiger!
A year of change, of adventure. Courageous and ambitious! A year of enhanced communication and unbridled enthusiasm! For ourselves and for one another. And this is key! That we may find our way to greater solidarity, in our thoughts, words and actions.
For we may be a world of nations…but we are not a world apart in our needs, our concerns, our interests. Requiring we work together in achievement of these. And in doing so a shared future for mankind worthy of us all.
In conclusion, may I once again wish you all a prosperous, healthy and happy Chinese New Year!
恭祝各位朋友新年快乐，工作顺利，身体健康，阖家幸福。