A speech by The Queen at the China State Banquet, 2015
Published
We celebrate the ties between our two countries and prepare to take them to ambitious new heights.
Mr. President,
Prince Philip and I are delighted to welcome you and Madame Peng to Buckingham Palace this evening.
Your visit to the United Kingdom marks a milestone in this unprecedented year of co-operation and friendship between the United Kingdom and China, as we celebrate the ties between our two countries and prepare to take them to ambitious new heights.
The United Kingdom and China have a warm and longstanding friendship. Prince Philip and I recall with great fondness our visit to China almost thirty years ago, where we were privileged to experience your country’s rich history and culture, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors: all unforgettable memories of China’s ancient civilisation.
Yet it was China’s desire to shape a new future which captivated us the most. We were struck by the energy and enthusiasm with which China’s leaders were forging ahead with a new and ambitious future for the Chinese people; and I well recall our discussions with the late paramount leader Mr. Deng Xiaoping, who was foremost among these leaders in setting a clear direction for China with his policy of reform. It was also Mr. Deng’s visionary concept of One Country Two Systems which opened the way for the return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Almost thirty years later, Mr Deng’s vision has borne remarkable fruit. Rapid economic growth and development has transformed the lives of people across China and lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty: a huge and historic achievement with far reaching positive effects on people’s lives.
I was delighted that my grandson Prince William was able to witness these changes during his first visit to China earlier this year. Like myself and Prince Philip, he visited not only your great cities of Beijing and Shanghai but also the beautiful province of Yunnan, and saw at first-hand the strong connections which bind our two countries together, be they in culture, education or business.
Mr. President, the relationship between the United Kingdom and China is now truly a global partnership. We have much reason to celebrate the dynamic, growing economic relationship between our countries as well as our success in working together to address pressing international challenges.
We have, this year, marked the seventieth anniversary of the foundation of the United Nations. Today the world faces challenges which call for collaboration between the nations: conflict and terrorism; poverty and ill-health; conservation and climate change. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Britain and China are stewards of the rules-based international system, and we have a responsibility to cooperate on these issues which have a direct bearing on the security and prosperity of all our peoples.
This global partnership is supported by an expanding network of links between the people of our two countries, which are essential in building mutual understanding and friendship, while we welcome the increasing numbers of Chinese tourists, students and business visitors to the United Kingdom.
Mr. President, your visit is a defining moment in this very special year for our bilateral relationship. I am confident that it will serve to highlight the sincerity and warmth of our friendship and to strengthen relations between our countries for many years to come.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask you to rise and drink a toast to the President and Madame Peng and to the people of China.
Related content
A speech by The Queen at the Qatar State Banquet, 2010
As old and valued friends, you are particularly welcome.
Announcement of State Visits to the United Arab Emirates and Oman
A speech by The Queen at the United Nations General Assembly, 2010
In my lifetime, the United Nations has moved from being a high-minded aspiration to being a real force for common good.
A speech by The Queen in Toronto, Canada, 2010
Aujourd’hui, bien des années plus tard, j’éprouve toujours autant d’affection et d’admiration pour le Canada.
A speech by The Queen in Winnipeg, 2010
I hope that today will be a special and memorable time for each and every one of you.
A speech by The Queen on Canada Day speech, 2010
I have watched with enormous admiration how Canada has grown and matured while remaining true to its history.
A speech by The Queen at the South Africa State Banquet, 2010
South Africa and the United Kingdom have long been the closest of friends.
A speech by The Queen in Trinidad and Tobago, 2009
Prince Philip and I are delighted to be back in Trinidad and Tobago after more than twenty years, renewing our happy association with your country.
A speech by The Queen in Bermuda, 2009
The United Kingdom will continue to follow and support Bermuda's progress to the very best of her ability
A speech by The Queen at the Indian State Banquet, 2009
Relations between our two countries are built on strong and deep foundations, and are set fair for the 21st century.
A speech by The Queen at the Mexican State Visit Banquet, 2009
British engagement in independent Mexico has contributed other interests, not the least of which has been the introduction of the game of football, a subject about which I...
A speech by The Queen at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting dinner, 2009
I am delighted to welcome you all here this evening.
A speech by The Queen at the Slovakian State Banquet, 2008
Prince Philip and I are delighted to be visiting Slovakia for the first time, at a moment in our history when our two countries work side-by-side.
A speech by The Queen at the Slovenian State Banquet, 2008
I hope that this visit will demonstrate the importance the United Kingdom attaches to our relationship with Slovenia, as a partner in Europe and an ally in NATO, with whom we...
A speech by The Queen at the Turkish State Banquet, 2008
You are playing a key role in promoting peace, political stability and economic development in some of the world's most unsettled areas.
A speech by The Queen at the France State Banquet, 2008
With a growing spirit of mutual understanding on so many levels, we stand ready to face the global challenges ahead, knowing that when we work together we can produce...
State Visit to the UK by the President of the French Republic
A speech by The Queen at CHOGM, Uganda, 2007
Recognising that each one of us is made up of layer upon layer of identity and that each of our unique personalities has ties to culture, religion, community, country and...
A speech by The Queen at the CHOGM Dinner, Kampala, 2007
I am so very pleased to be with you again and wish you every success in your deliberations.
A speech by The Queen at the Parliament Building in Kampala
It gives me great pleasure to address this House today in recognition of the importance of parliamentary democracy to the Commonwealth as a whole.
A speech by The Queen at the Ugandan State Banquet,2007
We are so pleased to be back in Uganda.
A speech by The Queen at the Saudi Arabia State Banquet, 2007
The relationship between our Two Kingdoms is one of mutual benefit, learning and understanding.
A speech by The Queen at the White House Arrival Ceremony, 2007
I shall enjoy not only renewing old acquaintances and making new ones but also recognising the breadth and depth of the friendship we have shared for so long.
A speech by The Queen at the State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, 2007
This four hundredth anniversary marks a moment to recognise the deep friendship which exists between our two countries.
A speech by The Queen at the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
The Canadian Corps transformed Vimy Ridge from a symbol of despair into a source of inspiration.
Dates announced for the State Visit to the United States of America
A speech by The Queen at the Ghana State Banquet, 2007
Ghana today is a progressive, open society. The economy is buoyant, and growth and prosperity are being fostered by a pluralistic and lively political debate and by your...
State Banquet in Singapore, 17 March 2006
The links between Britain and Singapore are as strong as ever, and our future relationship is bright indeed.
State Visit, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, 7 March 2006
I have vivid and happy memories of my visit to Brazil with Prince Philip in 1968, especially the warmth and hospitality of the Brazilian people.