British PM sends New Year greetings to Chinese

British Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday sent his wishes to the Chinese communities celebrating the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, the annual Spring Festival.

"These celebrations are reminder of the richness and vibrancy of Chinese culture here in the UK, and on this New Year, I want to pay tribute to the incredible contribution that British Chinese community makes to this country," Cameron said in a video clip on Weibo, China's popular twitter-like micro blogging service.

Cameron said the celebrations represent a good moment to reflect on Britain's relations with China, which is "based on deep and enduring ties between our two countries."

In December last year, Cameron led a large trade delegation for a three-day visit to China, his second China tour since he took office in May 2010.

"In the years to come, I want our two countries to continue working closely together for the mutual benefit of all our people," Cameron said.

The prime minister voiced optimism about the prospects of Britain-China economic cooperation, while stressing that the two countries' relationship "goes much deeper than economics."

"Britain is growing faster than almost any other country in the West, and is more open to Chinese investment than any other," he continued.

Cameron wished the Chinese "every possible success for the next 12 months," before wrapping up his message in Chinese: Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year).