Zheng Zeguang Photo: Chinese Embassy in the UK

China has never bullied, oppressed or enslaved other nations, and will never allow any external force to do such things to Chinese people, Zheng Zeguang, Chinese Ambassador to the UK, said on Tuesday, adding that "Attempts to contain or besiege China never succeeded in the past and are doomed to fail in the future."

Zheng made the remarks at an online reception celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. 

Zheng reiterated China's people-centered policies and the high-quality development achieved throughout the year, as well as the goal to obtain common prosperity for the people. 

In support of the international response to the pandemic and global economic recovery, China has provided $2 billion in aid to other developing countries, and donated anti-epidemic supplies to more than 150 countries and 13 international organizations.

On top of this, China offered over 1.25 billion doses of finished and bulk vaccines to more than 100 countries and international organizations, and will strive to provide a total of 2 billion doses to the world by the end of this year.

Following the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative for Poorest Countries, China has offered the highest deferral amount among the G20 members. 

In the coming three years, China will provide another $3 billion in aid to support the pandemic response and recovery courses in other developing countries.

While the past 72 years have seen China-UK ties evolve, the relationship has encountered some setbacks in recent years that do not serve the interest of their peoples, Zheng said. 

"There is much misperception and not enough trust. The potential for cooperation is far from being fully tapped," he said. "Now is the time to change this situation."

"We do not see the UK as an adversary or a threat. Quite the opposite, we regard the UK as a partner for cooperation," Zheng continued. 

He said he hopes that people in the UK will see China as it is, transcending ideological barriers and rejecting the misperception that China is a "systemic competitor" or even a threat.

At the event, Zheng also brought up the fourth China International Import Expo (CIIE) which will be hosted from November 5 to 10. He welcomed businesses from all countries to attend the CIIE to benefit from China's enormous market.

A few weeks before Zheng's speech, speakers of the UK House of Commons and the House of Lords made the decision to ban Zheng from attending an event at the UK Parliament scheduled on September 15, saying that China had earlier announced sanctions against seven UK parliamentarians.

China has taken reciprocal countermeasures regarding the ban, a source close to the matter told the Global Times exclusively.

Global Times