Rear Admiral Alex Burton,
Rear Admiral Wang Zhongcai,
Friends from the Press,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

Good morning.

It is a pleasure to have you all with us today for the press conference.

The 26th Chinese Navy Escort Taskforce is calling at London from today to 7 October. In the coming days, there will be a series of events, including an open day, a deck reception and professional meetings between Chinese and British navies.

• These events will showcase the best of the Chinese Navy.
• They will be an opportunity for British people to get to know the Chinese Navy better.
• And they will strengthen China-UK bilateral ties and military-to-military relations.

This is my second time greeting Chinese Navy fleet in Britain. The last time was nearly three years ago.

• I feel proud of the rapid development of the Chinese Navy.
• I feel happy about the ever deeper links between the Chinese and British militaries.
• And I feel excited about what this visit truly means to our military ties, to our bilateral relations and to our global partnership.

First, this visit is making history for China-UK military-to-military ties.

This visit has set many records.

• It is the first time ever for Chinese navy ships to call at Britain's capital city, London.
• It is also the first time for the Chinese navy fleet to be back in the UK three short years.
• It is the first time that so many British admirals and generals will come to the events to be held by the Chinese Navy fleet.
• And during this visit, our two navies will hold the first humanitarian rescue symposium.
• All these are reflection of the ever closer military ties and strategic mutual trust between our two countries.

During this visit, our two navies will exchange views on a broad range of issues from anti-piracy to humanitarian rescues. I believe such extensive engagement will help deepen the mutual trust and cooperation between our two militaries.

Second, this visit is writing a new chapter for the overall China-UK relations.

President Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to the UK in 2015. That visit heralded the China-UK "Golden Era".

This year marks 45 years Ambassadorial diplomatic ties between China and Britain. It is also the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army. It is a year of great significance that calls on both countries to strive for further progress based on past achievement.

This visit by the Chinese Navy fleet will leave its mark in the history of our military-to-military exchanges and state-to-state relations.

Third, this visit is reaffirming the commitment of China and Britain to world peace.

Today's world is far from being peaceful. Regional conflicts, terrorism, piracy, cross border crimes and refugee crisis are on the rise.

To meet the challenges and uphold peace, China proposes to build a community of shared future for mankind and calls for a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation.

The Chinese military have been an active contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.

• Chinese peacekeepers have worked together with the British military and armed forces of other countries to deal with global security challenges.
• They have made significant contribution to world peace and stability.
• They have proven to the world with concrete actions that the Chinese military is a staunch force for world peace.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The great Chinese thinker Xun Zi said this 2,000 years ago:
   "Giving up halfway, one cannot even cut into rotten wood; But with unremitting efforts, one can shape metals and stones."

Winston Churchill had this to say with similar sentiments:
   "Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential."

I believe the visit to Britain by the 26th Chinese Navy Escort Taskforce will mark a new beginning of closer, friendly exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and British militaries.

It will create new impetus to sustain China-UK "Golden Era".

And it will contribute to a world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Thank you!