Remarks by HE Ambassador Liu Xiaoming at the Showcase Event for the Documentary China's Greatest Treasures: A Shining New Era for China's Greatest Treasures

Chinese Embassy, Sept 18, 2019

Ms Victoria MacCallum，

Mr Li Xiangdong,

Mr Jim Egan,

Ms Charlotte Jones,

Mr Stephen Perry,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening! Welcome to the Chinese Embassy!

It is a real delight to have you with us at the showcase event for the documentary China's Greatest Treasures. Let me begin by offering my warmest congratulations to the production teams from both China and the UK on your successful cooperation!

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. It is also the 65th anniversary of China-UK diplomatic relationship at the chargé d'affaires level.

In this special year, it is both significant and relevant that the media communities of our two countries join hands to produce the documentary that will be shown tonight.

This documentary features historic artifacts from China. They have traveled through history to tell the audience about where China has come from and where it is going. They will help foster a deeper understanding of China and appreciation of the Chinese culture.

I believe this documentary has three-fold significance.

First, it introduces the Chinese culture.

China has a history of more than 5,000 years, which has given birth to a civilisation that is both profound and fascinating. In this documentary, every artifact is a crystallisation of beauty. They are steeped in history, imbued with the essence of culture and representative of the spirit of their times.

By opening a door into the past, these greatest treasures will also open a window on the Chinese culture.

Second, this documentary tells stories of the Chinese nation.

The history of the Chinese nation is like a book that tells stories of a magnificent scale and profound meaning. The documentary being launched tonight offers a glimpse into the life, joy, sorrow and relentless efforts of the Chinese people through thousands of years. It also demonstrates how the Chinese art excels at being inclusive and drawing on others' successful experience. Viewers could begin to understand why and how the time-honoured history is having a profound impact on today's China and China in the future.

Third, this documentary promotes exchanges between civilisations.

Exchange and mutual learning between civilizations is a strong driving force behind human progress. It is also the bedrock for the steady and sustained development of China-UK relations.

As we celebrate the 65th anniversary of China-UK diplomatic relationship at the chargé d'affaires level, I am delighted that the media professionals of our two countries have come together and produced this documentary. This joint production promotes exchange and mutual learning, and deepens cooperation between our cultural and creative industries. It is a fruit of China-UK cultural and people-to-people exchanges. It strengthens our belief that mutual learning is the right way forward, while "clash of civilisations" leads nowhere.

I want to quote President Xi Jinping. He said, "The aspiration for all that is beautiful is a common pursuit of humanity that nothing can hold back."

Both China and the UK are great civilisations with time-honoured history and profound culture. This documentary shows that the people of our two countries have the shared yearning for beauty, similar need for mutual understanding, and common pursuit of exchanges and mutual learning.

Let's draw strength from our profound cultures and work hand in hand. I am sure we will produce more excellent works like China's Greatest Treasures, and make greater contribution to enhancing cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries and building a closer bond between our two peoples.

In conclusion, I wish China's Greatest Treasures great success. And I wish everyone a pleasant evening!

Thank you!