Chinese Ambassador to the UK attends Heung Yee Kuk Centenary Celebration in the UK

Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom Zheng Zeguang attended a celebration in London on 16 June marking the 100th anniversary of the Heung Yee Kuk New Territories and the 15th anniversary of its Overseas Advisory Committee. The event brought together nearly 300 Hong Kong compatriots living in the UK.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Zheng extended his warm congratulations on the dual anniversaries and praised the Heung Yee Kuk for its longstanding tradition of patriotism and dedication to Hong Kong and local communities.

He highlighted the organization's contributions since Hong Kong's return to China, noting its steadfast support for the principle of "One Country, Two Systems," its backing of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's administration in accordance with the law, and its active participation in social affairs.

The ambassador said the Heung Yee Kuk had played an important role in supporting Hong Kong's development and helping the city move "from chaos to order and from stability to prosperity." He also commended the Overseas Advisory Committee for bringing together overseas villagers and Hong Kong residents in the UK, supporting the development of their hometowns, and promoting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between China and the United Kingdom.

He cited economic data showing that Hong Kong's gross domestic product grew by 5.9% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 and noted that the city had become the world’s largest cross-border wealth management center.

Looking ahead, the ambassador called Hong Kong a "super connector" and "super value-adder," saying the HKSAR is well positioned to achieve new development in the course of China's broader opening-up to the world.

He also encouraged the Hong Kong compatriots in the UK to make new contributions to Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability as well as to exchanges and cooperation between the peoples of China and the UK.