Embassy celebrates 75 years of achievements, progress

He also mentioned the "icebreakers" who opened the doors for trade between China and the UK in the 1950s, and called for the support of people across sectors from both countries for the development of bilateral relations.

Stephen Perry, honorary president of the 48 Group Club, said the ambassador delivered his speech "with great sophistication" and "touched all the points that need to be touched".

"I always enjoy his speeches because he's never shouting, he quietly makes the points that people need to think about, he captured it very well tonight," Perry said. "And 75 years is such a special anniversary, so we needed a quieter moment in all the noise of international relations, somebody just to quietly say 'we can cooperate, we can get on together, we can find ways to overcome problems'. It was a very fine speech."

Theresa Booth, director of Engage with China and joint CEO of the Chopsticks Club, said the ambassador's speech was "very unifying".

"The ambassador always exudes friendship. And having some singing, which everybody enjoyed at the end, it came out feeling like one people, one humanity. So, I think that was excellent. I thought it was a very positive atmosphere, it bodes very well for China-UK relations," Booth said.

She was alluding to a well-received performances of singing, folk dancing, and piano by professionals and embassy employees that won warm applause from the audience.