Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to the Chinese Embassy breakfast for the Exhibition Ming: 50 years that Changed China.

This Ming exhibition is the second of its kind in the UK this year. The first was Ming: the Golden Empire at the Scottish National Museum from June to October.

Two great museums, two major exhibitions, one and the same subject. One can’t help asking what has caused such coincidence. I think perhaps the answer is in the names of the two exhibitions: Ming was a golden age in Chinese history. It was a period of political stability, advanced economy and prosperous culture.

In terms of external relations, China during the Ming Dynasty embarked on unprecedented exchanges with the world.

Zheng He, the Chinese explorer before Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus, led his great fleet of more than 200 ships on seven expeditions down the “western seas” between 1405 and 1433. Those were missions of peace. They sowed seeds of friendship, promoted economic and cultural exchanges and fostered harmony between China and the world.

Today, China is in a new golden age. China’s relationship with the rest of the world is undergoing more profound changes. Its close connection and interaction with the world is unprecedented.

As China becomes increasingly dependent on the world and deepens its participation in world affairs, the world’s dependence and influence on China is also deepening.

So, I believe this exhibition at the British Museum is not only about the past. It is not merely an opportunity to appreciate the exquisite Chinese porcelain, gold ornaments, jewelry, paintings, statues and garments as well as life in China six hundred years ago.

It is also about today. It inspires understanding of today’s China and its development path to achieve the Chinese Dream.

The Chinese Dream advocated by President Xi Jinping is about the great renewal of the Chinese nation. China had its glories in the past. China is creating new splendour today. It has embarked on a road to national rejuvenation. This is a road that leads to prosperity of the country and better life for the people.

What China follows is a path of peaceful development.

What the Chinese Dream advocates are peace, development and win-win cooperation.

What we pursue is both the wellbeing of the Chinese people and the common good for people of all countries in the world.

China had made important contribution to world civilization and human progress in history. Today, China will continue to do its utmost for world peace and prosperity.

Before I conclude, I wish to express my hearty thanks to the British Museum. I thank you for the hard work in presenting Ming: 50 Years that Changed China. And more than that, I thank you for your continuous efforts over the years to promote China-UK cultural exchanges and to enhance mutual understanding between the people of our two countries.

In conclusion, I wish you all an enjoyable tour of the exhibition.

Thank you!