News story

Foreign Secretary's Chinese New Year message

Foreign Secretary William Hague has sent a message to mark Chinese New Year.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

“I would like to wish the Chinese communities in Britain, China, and around the world a very happy Chinese New Year. I hope that the year of the Dragon brings you and your family good luck and fortune.

2012 will be a significant year for relations between Britain and China as we mark the 40th Anniversary of full diplomatic ties. We also look forward to building on the success of the Beijing Olympics as the torch passes to London this year.

Britain and China enjoy an increasingly deep and broad relationship - rapidly increasing trade and investment, strengthened dialogue between our two governments, and bringing our people closer through growing exchanges in education and tourism.

Britain values this relationship because many of the challenges in the coming year are global in nature. It is in the interest of both our countries to work constructively together on matters of common concern.

I hope that the year of the Dragon brings greater success and prosperity for British and Chinese communities across the world.

Happy New Year.”

Updates to this page

Published 22 January 2012