China's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Zheng Zeguang (fourth from left) meets John Swinney, Scotland's first minister (fifth from left) on Aug 6 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo provided to China Daily)
China's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Zheng Zeguang made a visit to Edinburgh, Scotland from Aug 4 to 6, where he met local government officials and leaders from a Chinese clean-energy supplier operating in the area and encouraged stronger connections.
During his meeting on Aug 6 with John Swinney, Scotland's first minister, Zheng praised the long-term close ties between China and Scotland and called for enhanced bilateral exchanges and cooperation, especially as China seeks to deepen its reform comprehensively.
As the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China concluded in July, Zheng highlighted that the resolution adopted of more than 300 reform measures will further invigorate society and promote high-quality development, thus bringing fresh opportunities to countries worldwide, including the UK.
Swinney echoed the sentiment. He said the progress of China is recognized by the world and Scotland values its sustained, friendly cooperation with China, noting that China has become Scotland's largest source of imports and stands as an important export market.
Scotland is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China in sectors including trade and economics, education, tourism, new energy, medical and health services, infrastructure, and more, and it welcomes more Chinese investors, tourists, and students to visit for business, sightseeing, and academic pursuits, Swinney added.
China's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Zheng Zeguang (fourth from left), China's Consul General to Edinburgh Zhang Biao (second from left), Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge (second from right), Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council Cammy Day (third from left), Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK and General Manager of Bank of China's London branch Fang Wenjian (left), and Chief Executive Officer of Red Rock Renewables Chen Xiaomeng (right) pose for group photo as they meet in Edinburgh City Chambers on Aug 5. (Photo provided to China Daily)
The ambassador also met with the Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council Cammy Day, and Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council Paul Lawrence on Aug 5, when both sides agreed to strengthen dialogues and expand collaboration.
Zheng congratulated Edinburgh on successfully hosting the Edinburgh International Festival, an annual event inaugurated in 1947 that invites notable figures across music, performing arts, and other sectors to participate in the month-long celebration each August.
The Edinburgh leaders mentioned the sister-city relationship Edinburgh established with Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province and Xi'an in Northwest China's Shaanxi province.
In May, the lord provost led a delegation of 10 Edinburgh businesses to Shenzhen, aiming to promote the city and facilitate trade and cultural exchanges. Reflecting on his trip on the X social media platform, Aldridge described the visit as "brilliant" and "fascinating".
China's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Zheng Zeguang (third from right) meets with leaders and representatives of Edinburgh-based Red Rock Renewables on Aug 4. (Photo provided to China Daily)
Green future
As the clean technologies industry represents a key component of China-Scotland collaboration, the ambassador visited Edinburgh-based Red Rock Renewables on Aug 4, the European subsidiary of China's power generation company under the State Development and Investment Corp, known as SDIC Power.
Red Rock Renewables, which acts as an owner, investor, developer, and operator of renewable energy programs, is currently involved in four wind farm projects in Scotland, including Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd, one of the world's largest operational offshore wind farms, in which the company holds a 25 percent stake.
The farm, which features 84 wind turbines, is capable of generating wind-powered electricity for up to 450,000 homes.
Zheng encouraged the company to actively contribute to Scotland's low-carbon initiatives and energy transition, thereby also fostering China-UK friendship.
Looking ahead, Chen Xiaomeng, chief executive officer of Red Rock Renewables, said the company is committed to expanding its current portfolio of wind farms while also exploring investments in new clean technologies, such as hydrogen and batteries.
