China celebrates 70th anniversary in Scotland

China's acting Consul General in Edinburgh Hou Danna said China and Scotland can work even closer to further deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and economy, culture, education and people-to-people exchange.

Speaking at a reception held by the Chinese Consulate General in Edinburgh to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Hou said China is already one of Scotland's major trading partners and sources of inward investment.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of China-UK diplomatic relationship at the chargé d'affaires level, and also the 22nd anniversary of the opening of the Chinese Consulate General in Edinburgh, during which time many Chinese people have set up businesses in Scotland.

"Over the past few years, China and Scotland have maintained high-level and local government contacts. Six cities in Scotland and China have become sister cities," said Hou.

With an aim to promote cultural and commercial ties, such special and close city-to-city friendship relationship is normally in form of social agreement between the two geographically distinct areas.